Grahame Morris MP opens Eastern Green Link 1 visitor centre at Hawthorn Pit, championing employability and educational opportunities for local students.
The centre will help visitors learn about the technology, skills and careers involved in delivering one of the UK's largest energy infrastructure projects.
Local students, schools and community groups now have a new opportunity to learn about the technology and skills behind Great Britain's electricity network thanks to Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1), a joint venture between National Grid and SP Energy Networks.
EGL1 is a 196km, two-gigawatt high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea electricity superhighway currently under construction between East Lothian in Scotland and County Durham in England. Once complete, it will be capable of transporting enough electricity to power around two million homes and will play a key role in strengthening and modernising Great Britain's electricity network.
On Friday 25 September, Grahame Morris MP, Member of Parliament for Easington, officially opened the new EGL1 Visitor Centre at the Hawthorn Pit substation site in Murton alongside representatives from National Grid, SP Energy Networks and local community organisations.
Developed by National Grid as part of EGL1's commitment to community engagement, the visitor centre has been designed to bring the project to life and help visitors better understand how major electricity infrastructure is planned, built and operated.
Through a range of interactive exhibits, visitors can learn how electricity is generated, discover how supply and demand are balanced across the network, and explore the technology behind major energy infrastructure projects. Interactive activities and a construction simulator also offer a hands-on introduction to some of the skills involved in delivering projects such as EGL1.
The centre will also play an important role in supporting education and skills development across the region. Through visits from schools, colleges and community groups, young people will have the opportunity to see STEM subjects brought to life and gain a better understanding of the training, skills and career pathways available within the energy industry.
By showcasing the people and expertise needed to deliver major infrastructure projects, the centre aims to inspire the next generation of engineers, construction professionals and energy specialists, while helping visitors understand how EGL1 will enable more renewable electricity to be transported around the country.
Grahame Morris MP, Member of Parliament for Easington, said: "This visitor hub is a fantastic addition for East Durham and will give local people the opportunity to learn more about an important project taking shape in our community.
"What excites me most is the opportunity it creates for young people. By giving students a closer look at the skills, technology and engineering behind projects like EGL1, we can help inspire the next generation to consider careers in industries that will play a vital role in our future.
"Our area has a proud industrial heritage and a talented workforce. Initiatives like this help ensure local people can see the opportunities being created as we build the energy network of tomorrow."
Nik Davies, National Grid Project Director for EGL1, said: "The visitor centre gives local people the chance to get closer to the project and see first-hand the technology, skills and engineering involved in delivering major energy infrastructure.
"We're particularly excited to welcome schools and colleges, helping young people understand the wide range of opportunities available in the energy sector while learning more about how projects like EGL1 will support the transition to cleaner sources of electricity.
"Projects like EGL1 rely on hundreds of skilled people, from engineers and project managers to environmental specialists and construction teams. We hope the centre will encourage the next generation to consider careers in these fields and show the role they could play in building the energy system of the future."
Matthew Barton, HVDC Portfolio Director at SP Energy Networks, said:"The visitor centre will bring the EGL1 project to life, giving local communities a unique insight into the innovation, engineering and expertise needed to deliver critical energy infrastructure. It's our firm belief that the centre will inspire the electrical engineers of tomorrow."
The visitor centre is now open to schools, colleges and community groups, providing an opportunity to learn more about the project and the people, technology and expertise helping to modernise Great Britain's electricity network.
The opening of the facility forms part of EGL1's ongoing commitment to engaging with local communities throughout construction, helping people better understand the infrastructure being delivered by National Grid and SP Energy Networks to connect more renewable energy, strengthen energy security and support Britain's transition to a cleaner energy future.