Placing the North East at the heart of the UK’s clean energy transition

Our consultation

We are seeking your views on proposals for a major sub-sea and onshore underground power transmission cable facility at the Port of Tyne.

As the UK moves towards a cleaner, greener future, it is vital to develop the infrastructure needed to support this transition. As more clean energy is generated, we need to deliver more effective ways to transport and store this energy.

A central part of that infrastructure is the continued development of advanced sub-sea cables. These cutting-edge cables will enable the efficient transfer of energy from offshore sites to the mainland, and to areas where it is needed most. There is not a moment to lose in the development of these cables, especially in the UK.

The UK Government has set a clear objective to reach net zero by 2050, which will require a wholesale shift to clean energy across the UK. As part of that, it is vital to develop effective ways to transport this energy both from sources such as offshore wind farms – and from other countries providing the energy – into homes, factories, and public spaces.

By developing this technology within the UK, we would not only enhance its national infrastructure but also build greater resilience within its energy systems, ensuring a more secure and independent pathway to a decarbonised economy.

That is why LS Eco Advanced Cables has put forward proposals for a new sub-sea cable and onshore underground power transmission facility here on South Tyneside. Working with the Port of Tyne, the project would provide 500 direct jobs, and many more across the wider supply chain for local people – many of which would be highly skilled. Not only that, but it would play a key role in helping to decarbonise the UK economy* and put the North East firmly the map as part of the UK’s clean energy transition, with key infrastructure central to that transition.

As part of developing our proposals, we want to hear from local people, businesses, organisations, community groups and beyond. Your views will help us shape and refine our proposals to ensure they reflect the needs and priorities of local people and businesses before we submit a formal planning application.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our consultation hub and provide your thoughts. This website sets out all you need to know about the project, the people behind it, and how you can get involved in the consultation and provide your views.

*Job creation may vary depending on market growth and demand.

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At a glance: What you need to know

We are proposing to deliver a world-leading facility to produce high voltage direct current (HVDC) and alternating current (HVAC) cables at the Port of Tyne. HVDC power cables are designed to carry electricity over long distances with minimal energy loss. HVAC cables are the type of cable used for onshore electricity transmission here in the UK.

The proposed site would produce cables for under-sea and underground onshore electricity transmission, efficiently transporting energy from offshore wind farms across the UK and between countries. This approach avoids on-land powerlines (i.e. pylons) and would take renewable energy created from wind and solar farms to homes and businesses.

The site would include a series of ancillary facilities and, at the centre of the project, a 202 metre tall tower – a vital step in the production process allowing LS to make the longest, safest and most reliable cables when buried at the bottom of the ocean or underground where they will be designed to last for many decades.

Please click here to explore the proposals in more detail.

What these proposals mean for you

This investment is a long-term economic and environmental strategy.

This facility would become a valuable and profitable local business. Once operational, the factory will be able to produce cables to 525kV – the highest sub-sea voltage export cable, which is the main transmission voltage for UK onshore transmission. The proposed development would provide lasting environmental and economic benefits, with sub-sea and onshore underground cables set to be in consistently high demand, and a technologically vital product for renewable energy production – which is only set to increase.

It would have a significant impact on the local, regional, and national economy; providing 500 direct jobs and many more across the supply chain in a range of functions, including in high-skilled areas such as engineering and management. In addition, the proposed development would support a substantial number of roles during the construction process.

All of this would draw significant investment, helping to future-proof the region’s economy, putting it on the map as a centre for innovation, at the heart of the UK’s journey to net zero.

Who is involved in this project?

LS Eco Advanced Cables (LSEAC), a joint venture between LS Group and Global Interconnector Group, is developing the proposals for this facility on-site at the Port of Tyne. More information on all three organisations can be found below:

LS Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high voltage cables, with over 33 subsidiaries worldwide and more than 60 sales and production sites in over 21 countries. LS Group supplies cables to the world’s largest wind farm at Hornsea in the UK and to National Grid and its partners.

Global Interconnector Group supports the development and delivery of net zero and energy security initiatives.

The Port of Tyne serves as one of the UK’s key deep-sea ports and handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, and car imports. It is also an important site for renewable energy, including offshore wind farm support. The Port is involved in various industrial and logistical operations that contribute to the economy of the North East of England.