PUBLIC consultation on plans for an energy link connecting Central Fife and the south of England has been powered up.

SP Energy Networks is asking local people for their views on the proposals which would see new underground cables and infrastructure in Fife.

Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) is a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission which is part of SP Energy Networks.

The initiative would see the creation of a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electrical link that will connect Fife with Norfolk.

Once complete, EGL4 will be able to transmit up to 2GW of clean, green renewable energy – enough to power around two million homes.

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The transformative project will drive forward investment in Net Zero, boost economic growth across the UK, allow the rapid growth of renewables and help secure greater UK energy independence.

Plans for EGL4 include a new converter station near the existing substation at Westfield, near Ballingry, and underground cables between Westfield and a landfall point at Kinghorn, where they will connect to subsea cables.

Public consultation will run until May 10 where local people can give their views on the proposals.

Members of SP Energy Networks' project team will be on hand to answer questions at drop in sessions in the Benarty Centre on Tuesday, April 23 from 2pm until 7pm.

A second session will be held at Auchtertool Village Hall on Wednesday, April 24 from 9am until 12.30pm.

Information leaflets will also be sent out to local homes and businesses which more information available online on the project website here.

Networks Deputy Project Director Iain Adams explained: “The Eastern Green Link 4 is part of an electricity superhighway that is crucial to the UK achieving Net Zero and boosting economic growth across the country.

“We’ve identified a preferred route for the EGL4 underground cables, and preferred sites for the landfall point and converter station, and we want to discuss our plans with residents to hear their views and help us develop our plans further.

“We hope people will come along to our events to find out more, but if not they can still contact us by telephone, Freepost or email to ask questions or give us their comments.”

People can give feedback online at the project website, or by emailing egl4@communityrelations.co.uk or writing to FREEPOST SPEN EGL4.

They can also ask questions or request a paper feedback form by calling the project Freephone number on 0800 021 7890.