Tender process opens for UK’s largest proposed HVDC transmission project

SSEN Transmission has opened the tendering for cable and converter work packages for Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), the UK’s largest proposed HVDC transmission project, which will link Peterhead in Scotland and Norfolk in England.

EGL3, a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), will transfer renewable power generated in the north of Scotland to demand centers throughout the UK, via a circa 680-kilometer route.

The project will provide a 2 GW bi-pole, 525 kV HVDC link between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire and the Norfolk area. It forms part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 program, a £20 billion 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 been issued, with the project expected to be delivered by 2033.

“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 Ricky Saez, SSEN Transmission’s EGL Programme Director.

“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.”

Four EGL links form part of planned electricity grid reinforcements to boost the capability of the existing UK transmission network and facilitate increased flows of planned renewable generation in the North to demand centers to the South, supporting the ambition of enabling 50 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 and achieving a net-zero economy by 2050.

EGL1 and EGL2 have already been consented and are moving towards construction, and EGL3 and EGL4 are in the development and assessment stage. Although EGL3 and EGL4 are independent of one another, due to their ultimate common connection point in England, the proposed new Walpole substation, they will be developed in parallel.