National Grid is moving ahead with plans for a  fifth major subsea and underground electricity link between Scotland and England – which could provide power for around two million homes and businesses across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

Eastern Green Link 5 (EGL5) is a proposed 585km subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable from Aberdeenshire to Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire

Following early engagement in 2025, community feedback has helped shape updated proposals for the Eastern Green Link 5 (EGL5) project. National Grid is now inviting communities in East Lindsey in Lincolnshire to review and comment on the latest plans.

The consultation runs until  24 July 2026. The project would increase electricity network capacity and support the transport of more home-grown, renewable energy. The update includes:

• A proposed 585 km subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable from Scotland to Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire, selected to reduce interaction with offshore wind developments Marine Protected Areas and other marine infrastructure.
• A single onshore cable route north of Huttoft, up to 8 km in length, connecting the landfall at Anderby Creek to the proposed converter station
• A preferred location for the converter station north-east of Bilsby
• Up to 1km of additional underground cable to connect the converter station to infrastructure proposed as part of the Grimsby to Walpole project
• Consultation on the land required for construction, including temporary access and haul roads

The consultation is part of The Great Grid Upgrade programme - the biggest overhaul of the UK electricity network in generations. The consultation provides local communities and stakeholders with an opportunity to give feedback on the updated proposals, with all feedback carefully considered as the project develops.

The way electricity is generated and used is changing, with more renewable energy coming from offshore wind. EGL 5 has been identified as an important reinforcement by the National Energy System Operator to ensure the network can carry electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed as demand grows, including in Lincolnshire and across the East Midlands.

By increasing network capacity, the project would help make better use of renewable, home-grown electricity, including power generated in UK waters, helping to reduce reliance on imported energy. The project would help strengthen the local network in Lincolnshire and provide enough electricity to power around two million homes and businesses. It would help ensure communities have access to a secure, reliable and resilient electricity supply as demand grows, while also supporting the wider system.

EGL 5 would support jobs, skills and supply chain opportunities for local businesses across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. As plans develop, National Grid will continue to work with local authorities, businesses and communities to identify opportunities at a local level.

Stephen Mathers, project director for National Grid, said: “Following feedback from our initial consultation in 2025, we have refined our plans and are now sharing more detailed proposals for where new infrastructure could be built, and we look forward to hearing from local communities on these updates. We will continue to seek to reduce effects on communities and the environment through careful design, environmental assessment and ongoing engagement.

“Eastern Green Link 5 will support the delivery of the electricity infrastructure needed for a secure and more independent energy system. As electricity demand is set to grow significantly, the project will help make the most of Britain’s offshore wind and reduce reliance on imported energy. Expanding the grid is essential to ensure clean energy can be transported efficiently to communities and businesses in Lincolnshire and across the wider East Midlands.”

Click here for more information and details of consultation events.