Major milestone for new electricity link between Scotland and England as EGL3 convertor station preferred bidder announced

• The Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project – a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission – has named Hitachi Energy as the preferred bidder for converter stations at either end of the link.

• EGL3 will deliver 2GW of clean electricity – enough to power two million homes – through subsea and underground cables, helping to strengthen energy security in the UK and deliver on clean power targets.

• The announcement marks further progress on one of the UK’s biggest ever electricity transmission infrastructure projects.

The joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission has taken a key step forward in the development of the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project, by naming Hitachi Energy as the preferred bidder to deliver the project’s high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and West Norfolk, England.

EGL3 – the biggest project in National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission’s portfolio – is a new subsea electricity link designed to carry clean power between the north of Scotland and England, with the ability to transmit electricity in both directions depending on demand. The proposed 2GW, 525kV HVDC link will run between Longside in Aberdeenshire and Walpole in Norfolk, using a 680km subsea and underground cable route to connect the two locations. 

From the landfall point at Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire, the route is proposed to continue onshore with an around 100km underground cable route to the converter station site in West Norfolk. Once operational, the link will help relieve pressure on the existing network, support the UK’s energy security and clean power goals, and reduce constraint costs - which are the extra costs added to bills when there is not enough grid capacity to move power where it is needed.  

The EGL3 project is a joint venture between National Grid and SSEN Transmission, and is a key component of a wider programme of work being undertaken by all three GB electricity transmission operators to make the upgrades to the grid that are required to deliver clean power and energy security targets.

Hitachi Energy’s selection as preferred bidder follows a competitive procurement process and reflects the company’s strong track record in delivering HVDC infrastructure both in the UK and around the world. The converter stations at either end of the link will be critical in enabling EGL3 to safely and efficiently transmit high volumes of electricity across long distances.

EGL3 has completed two rounds of public consultation already with a planning application expected to be submitted 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 aim of being fully operational by 2033.

The announcement of a preferred bidder does not influence or prejudge the outcome of any planning decisions related to the project.

Mark Brackley, Project Director for Eastern Green Link 3 at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:

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, said:

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, said:
 

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.