The joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission will see the installation of a 196km, high voltage, subsea electricity cable between Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.

Murphy is one of the main works contractors alongside Metlen, GE Vernova and Prysmian.

Murphy’s contract is to:

• Design, procure and construction a new 400kV GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) substation adjacent to the existing National Grid Hawthorn Pit 275kV Substation to facilitate the connection of a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) Interconnector between Scotland and England.
• Modify existing overhead line (OHL) local to Hawthorn Pit Substation to create one connection point.
• Design, procure and construct a new 400kV Cable Connection between the new and existing substation.
• Design, procure and construct two new 275kV connections between the new and existing substation.
• Design, procure and construct a new 400kV GIS bay in the existing Norton substation and modifications to the existing OHL connection into the substation. Oversailing an existing Network Rail Asset.

Work is expected to complete in March 2028.

Liam Corr, Managing Director of Energy at Murphy said; “I’m delighted that Murphy will play a key role in delivering the new electric superhighway, Eastern Green Link 1.

“We will be responsible for the 400kV substation works package for National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), working collaboratively with the wider project to expand the electricity network. This project is crucial for meeting Britain’s future energy infrastructure needs and strengthening energy security”.