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Work starts on substation electric vehicle hub

National Grid Overhead view of work on the Hylton Castle substationNational Grid
The Hylton Castle substation in Sunderland could provide a grid link for a Nissan electric vehicle facility

Construction work has begun on a substation that it is hoped will power a gigafactory.

The Hylton Castle substation will provide a grid connection for Nissan's £1bn EV36Zero electric vehicle hub in Sunderland.

The facility - at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) - aims to bring together electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy and battery production.

National Grid claimed connecting IAMP would "support jobs and prosperity in the area for years to come".

EV36Zero is a joint project involving Nissan, battery manufacturer AESC and Sunderland City Council.

It is expected to house a gigafactory built by AESC and a renewable energy microgrid, which aims to provide clean electricity to the automotive sector.

IAMP IAMPIAMP
The substation will help power businesses at the 150-hectare (370-acre) IAMP site

Jonathan Tew, chief executive of South Tyneside Council, said: "IAMP is a vitally important project which will support the growth of the UK manufacturing sector."

Hylton Castle is expected to be completed by 2026.

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