Tendering is now underway to secure cable and converter station work packages for the proposed Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) HVDC connection project linking Peterhead in Scotland and Norfolk in England.
EGL3 is a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) intended to transfer renewable power generated in the north of Scotland to demand centres throughout the UK, via an around 680km route consisting of buried onshore and subsea cables.
The project plans to use the latest technology to provide a 2GW bi-pole, 525kV HVDC link between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire and the Norfolk area, enabling the efficient transmission of high volumes of renewable energy for onward distribution.
EGL3 is the UK’s largest proposed HVDC transmission project and forms part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20bn investment to upgrade the electricity network in the north of Scotland to unlock the country’s renewable energy resources in support of national net zero and energy security targets.
Invitations to tender for cable and converter work packages have now been released to market, as SSEN Transmission and NGET look to secure the supply chain for the project which is scheduled for delivery by 2033.
Securing the supply chain at an early stage will put the project in a strong position to be delivered on time and in budget, subject to final approval being granted.
“We’re delighted to begin the tender process for our proposed Eastern Green Link 3 project, which is a major part of our ambition to deliver clean energy to demand centres around the UK in support of national net zero ambitions,” said SSEN Transmission’s EGL Programme Director Ricky Saez.
“This marks progress in securing the supply chain on this important project, and while the hard work is only just beginning, I’d like to pay tribute to the remarkable effort made by our own staff as well as our delivery partners National Grid in getting us to this stage.
“We look forward to making an announcement on our preferred bidders to provide cable and converter station capacity in the months ahead.”