SIEMENS Energy has been selected as the preferred bidder for a £2.5 billion subsea electricity superhighway between Scotland and England.
Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4), a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), will transport green electricity between Fife and West Norfolk and onto the network via a 530km high voltage subsea cable.
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
Ofgem gave the green light to the £2.5bn project last year. Construction is currently expected to begin in 2029, with the link becoming operational in 2033.
Two converter stations will be built at the cable’s two landfall points, Torness in East Lothian, and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, changing the electricity from alternating to direct current – the most efficient way for it to travel long distances.
Specialist boats will be used to lay cables across the seabed and bury them throughout the route before connecting them to the grid.
James Goode, project director for EGL4, 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, added: “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.
