Converter station valve hall. Image courtesy National Grid.
National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission have named Hitachi Energy as the preferred bidder to deliver HVDC converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and West Norfolk, England.
EGL3 – the biggest project in National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission’s portfolio – is a new subsea electricity link designed to carry clean power between the north of Scotland and England, with the ability to transmit electricity in both directions depending on demand.
The proposed 2GW, 525kV HVDC link will run between Longside in Aberdeenshire and Walpole in Norfolk, using a 680km subsea and underground cable route to connect the two locations.
From the landfall point at Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire, the route is proposed to continue onshore with an around 100km underground cable route to the converter station site in West Norfolk.
Once operational, the link will help relieve pressure on the existing network, support the UK’s energy security and clean power goals, and reduce constraint costs – which are the extra costs added to bills when there is not enough grid capacity to move power where it is needed.
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The EGL3 project is a joint venture between National Grid and SSEN Transmission, and is a key component of a wider programme of work being undertaken by all three GB electricity transmission operators to make the upgrades to the grid that are required to deliver clean power and energy security targets.
Hitachi Energy’s selection as preferred bidder follows a competitive procurement process and reflects the company’s strong track record in delivering HVDC infrastructure both in the UK and around the world. The converter stations at either end of the link will be critical in enabling EGL3 to safely and efficiently transmit high volumes of electricity across long distances.
Commenting in a release was Mark Brackley, project director for Eastern Green Link 3 at National Grid Electricity Transmission: “We are pleased to confirm Hitachi Energy as preferred bidder for the EGL3 project’s converter stations. This is a major milestone for the project and another important step towards building the grid of the future. EGL3 will play a central role in connecting more cleaner energy to homes and business right across the UK.
James Johnson, deputy project director for Eastern Green Link 3 at SSEN Transmission, said:
“Reaching this milestone for EGL3 marks another significant step towards delivering the network reinforcements needed to unlock Scotland’s renewable energy potential.
“Once complete, EGL3 will form a vital part of the UK’s future electricity backbone – enabling clean, homegrown energy to flow where and when it’s needed and supporting energy security in the UK. We’re looking forward to working with Hitachi Energy and our partners at National Grid to bring this critical project to life.”
Niklas Persson, managing director for Grid Integration Business at Hitachi Energy, said: “With over a century of pioneering innovation, we are honoured to be selected by SSEN Transmission and National Grid to supply HVDC technology for the EGL3 project.
“This will strengthen the UK’s interconnectivity and ensure a reliable, flexible, and affordable power supply. At Hitachi Energy, we are committed to advancing the UK’s energy system towards the Clean Power 2030 target”.
EGL3 has completed two rounds of public consultation already with a planning application expected to be submitted in 2026. Subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, construction is proposed to start in 2029, with the aim of being fully operational by 2033.
