Siemens Energy has been selected as preferred bidder to deliver two converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) subsea electricity project between Scotland and England.
National Grid and SP Energy Networks confirmed the decision today, marking a major milestone for the 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link.
EGL4 will transport clean energy between Fife and West Norfolk via a 530km subsea cable, boosting UK grid capacity and energy security.
Siemens will deliver converter stations at both ends of the cable route, converting electricity between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) to enable long-distance transmission.
The selection follows a competitive procurement process and comes ahead of a full contract award.
James Goode, project director for EGL4 at National Grid, said: “Reaching preferred bidder stage is a key milestone for EGL4 and a sign of the progress being made on this vital infrastructure project.
“Siemens Energy brings strong expertise in HVDC converter station delivery and will be a critical partner as we prepare to build this subsea superhighway.”
Iain Adams, deputy project director and head of converter delivery at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering again with National Grid to deliver EGL4 and are excited to welcome Siemens Energy and the wealth of expertise they will bring to this project.”
EGL4 is part of a wider programme of five proposed subsea electricity links between Scotland and England, designed to reduce network constraints and support the growth of offshore wind.
Together, the links will be capable of powering up to 10 million homes.
Construction of EGL4 is expected to begin in 2029, with operation scheduled for 2033.
Mark Pilling, vice president of grid solutions Europe at Siemens Energy, said: “Eastern Green Link 4 is a vital project to enhance the UK’s energy framework.
“Being selected as preferred bidder builds on our strong collaboration with National Grid and SP Energy Networks, where we leverage our technological expertise to support their ambitious efforts to upgrade and expand the UK grid.”
Siemens was also recently named as a key supplier on National Grid’s £59bn HVDC supply chain framework and SP Energy Networks’ £5.4bn strategic programme.