Works Commence at Torness Converter Station for EGL1 Project

Cidon is pleased to announce the commencement of works at the Torness Converter Station, part of the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project — a major UK energy infrastructure scheme that will strengthen the transmission of low-carbon electricity across the country.

Appointed by Metlen Energy & Metals, Cidon is delivering the full substructure and superstructure package, including reinforced concrete and civil engineering works for this significant development.

EGL1 is a two-gigawatt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical “superhighway” connecting Torness in East Lothian to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham via subsea cables beneath the North Sea. The project is being delivered as a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks, with completion anticipated in 2029.

At Torness, Cidon’s scope includes reinforced concrete foundations for converter station equipment, transformer plinths, cable trenches, industrial floor slabs, and associated civil structures within a live, high-security environment. The package also includes drainage, ducting, fencing, earthing, gas membrane systems, and hard landscaping works.

The project involves large-volume mass concrete pours with stringent temperature control measures to minimise thermal cracking, alongside rigorous quality assurance procedures to meet long-term durability requirements within a coastal environment. Delivery of the works requires careful coordination of logistics, programme management, and safety due to restricted access, challenging weather conditions, and interfaces with ongoing operations.

Once complete, the infrastructure will support the efficient transmission of low-carbon electricity from Scotland into the wider UK grid, contributing to the UK’s long-term energy and sustainability goals.

Cidon is proud to be working alongside Metlen Energy & Metals in delivering this important national infrastructure project.