Hitachi Energy has been named preferred bidder to supply high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations at either end of the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project, a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission.
EGL3 is billed as one of the UK’s biggest electricity transmission projects, and is designed to utilise more of the renewable energy generated in Scotland through a 2 GW connection with Norfolk in England. In fact, when completed, it should provide enough electricity to power approximately two million homes.
The 525kV HVDC connection will be capable of transmitting electricity in both directions, depending on system needs – although given Scotland has become the centre of renewable energy generation in the UK, it’s likely we’ll see more flowing to England from Scotland than the other way round.
By providing a high-capacity route between generation in the north of Scotland and demand centres in England, the link is expected to reduce constraint costs – the additional charges that arise when there is insufficient grid capacity to move power where it is needed.
The route will begin in Longside, Aberdeenshire and come out in Walpole, West Norfolk, with a total length of around 680km of both subsea and underground cabling. Converter stations in Aberdeenshire and West Norfolk will convert alternating current to direct current (and back again), enabling efficient long-distance transfer over the subsea and underground cables.
When is EGL3 expected to begin construction and be operational?
The project has completed two rounds of public consultation. A planning application is expected 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 link targeted to be fully operational by 2033.
Mark Brackley, Project Director for Eastern Green Link 3 at National Grid Electricity Transmission, commented, “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, added, “With over a century of pioneering innovation, we are honored 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”.
Armand Pineda, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Sales for Grid Integration at Hitachi Energy, concluded, “We are honoured to be selected as the preferred bidder for the EGL3 project’s converter stations by SSEN Transmission and National Grid. This recognition reflects our long-standing partnerships with both major UK utilities and our shared commitment to delivering large-scale infrastructure that supports the grid of the future. Hitachi Energy is deeply committed to accelerating the global energy transition, and the UK stands as a flagship in this journey.”
