A local firm in the north-east of Scotland has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract to help deliver a new converter station as part of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) transmission project.
David Smith Contractors will carry out civil engineering works at the site near Boddam, Peterhead, as part of the delivery of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station that will help connect the 436km subsea HVDC cable system to existing transmission network infrastructure.
The appointment of a local firm to deliver on a crucial aspect of EGL2 underlines the project’s commitment to engaging the local supply chain in the north-east of Scotland, while delivering social value.
The Fraserburgh-based company has so far created nine extra full-time roles through its involvement with EGL2, having already delivered enabling works at the site.
The latest contract award is expected to sustain these roles, while potentially providing additional employment opportunities.
The works will involve the excavation of the site and the use of local quarried stone to create a level platform for the construction of the converter station building, which is expected to be completed by July next year.
The contract was awarded by principal contractor BAM Nutall which, along with consortium partner Hitachi Energy, is responsible for the delivery of converter stations at either end of the subsea cable, which runs from Peterhead to Drax in Yorkshire.
SSEN Transmission’s EGL2 lead project manager for the Peterhead converter station site Jamie Wallace said: “This announcement demonstrates how investing in upgrading the electricity grid to transmit green energy and the creation of good quality local jobs go hand in hand.
“David Smith Contractors Ltd has already worked with another of our key contractors, Keltbray, in carrying out enabling works as part of the EGL2 project – constructing a first-class platform for our temporary site welfare and office complex.
“During our public consultations held in advance of the project we made a commitment to engage with the local supply chain while delivering social value in the community.
“This appointment underlines the commitment we share with our partners to maximise local employment and business opportunities, which will continue throughout the construction phase of the project and beyond.”