Milestone reached for new subsea electricity link between Scotland and England as preferred bidder announced

National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks have reached a major milestone in the development of the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) project, a new subsea electricity ‘superhighway’ by selecting Siemens Energy as preferred bidder for the project’s two high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations. 

EGL4 is a proposed new 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity link which will transport clean, home-grown energy between Fife, Scotland and West Norfolk, England and onto the network via a 530km high voltage subsea cable – helping to boost capacity and energy security.  

Siemens Energy was also recently awarded a place on National Grid’s £59bn HVDC supply chain framework and SP Energy Networks £5.4bn Strategic Agreement to deliver the required works and equipment needed for key energy projects across the country. 

The preferred bidder selection follows an extensive competitive procurement process and marks a crucial step for delivery of this strategically important project, ahead of full contract award. 

Much of the UK’s new offshore and onshore wind generation is in or around Scotland, but the existing transmission network does not have the capacity to move all this cleaner electricity to where it is most needed. New long-distance, bi-directional, subsea infrastructure like EGL4 is essential in strengthening Britain’s energy security with home-grown energy and keeping bills more affordable by reducing reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels. 

EGL4 is one of five proposed subsea links between Scotland and England being delivered through joint ventures with Scottish transmission owners. Together the five links will be capable of powering up to 10 million homes. 

EGL4 recently concluded its second stage of public consultation at both ends of the link   and is utilising this important feedback to inform the projects development which includes the planning application in Scotland, expected during late summer 2025 and   an application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate in England during 2026. Construction is currently expected to begin in 2029, with the link becoming operational in 2033. 

The decision to announce a preferred bidder for the converter stations does not pre-empt or prejudice any decision on the project’s Development Consent Order application. 

James Goode, Project Director for Eastern Green Link 4 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. EGL4 will help create the capacity our electricity system needs for the future, connecting clean, home-grown energy to homes and businesses and strengthening the UK’s energy security.

Iain Adams, Deputy Project Director and Head of Converter Delivery for Eastern Green Link 4 at SP Energy Networks said: 

The east coast of Britain is playing a vital role in transforming the electricity network as we build another bi-directional link between Scotland and England, helping to reduce constraints on the network, increase energy security and promote economic growth. 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. 

Mark Pilling, Vice President of Grid Solutions Europe at Siemens Energy said:  

Investing in grid infrastructure is essential to meet increasing electricity demands and transition to a cleaner energy future. 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.