The second round of funding for the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL) project fund has opened for applications, targeting communities near the project that will transport clean electricity from Peterhead in Scotland to England via a 505-kilometer subsea cable.
Developed by a joint venture of SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission, EGL2 involves the installation of a 2 GW HVDC subsea cable connecting Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in Yorkshire. Project construction started in September 2024 , with the link expected to be completed in 2029.
The project fund has a total value of £2,159,444 (around €2.5 million), with over £400,000 available to support local communities in this round.
This includes a large fund, which can support strategic community improvement projects across Peterhead and the surrounding area, and micro-grants of up to £500 to support community groups and individuals with smaller, local projects and causes, each having its own application process and eligibility criteria. Funding is available between 2025 and 2029.
The funds are aimed specifically at communities in the Peterhead, Boddam, Cruden, Buchan East and Longside & District community council areas.
Its priorities are education, employment and skills; protection and enhancement of the natural environment, including land and sea, natural habitats, and biodiversity; transport and connectivity, including path/cycle networks and community transport; community infrastructure and regeneration, heritage and culture; and community action planning and capacity building.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, July 22, at 12:00 p.m.