The competitive tender process for a major subsea electricity link between Peterhead and Norfolk has officially begun.
- This ambitious project, EGL3, is a joint venture by SSEN Transmission and NGET aiming to bolster the UK’s net zero transition.
- SSEN Transmission plans to implement a 2GW bi-pole, 525kV HVDC link using cutting-edge technology.
- Invitations to tender for critical cable and converter work packages have been issued.
- This initiative is part of a broader £20bn investment strategy to enhance the Northern Scotland electricity network, facilitating renewable energy development.
The tendering process for the 680km subsea electricity link connecting Peterhead and Norfolk is now underway. This significant development marks the start of the procurement phase for the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project, initiated by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). The project is essential in linking high levels of renewable energy generation from Scotland to areas in England with high electricity demand, particularly in support of the UK’s net zero targets.
EGL3 represents a major infrastructure undertaking, touted as the UK’s largest proposed high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project. This initiative forms a crucial part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme. Encompassing a £20bn investment agenda, the programme is designed to upgrade the electricity network in the north of Scotland to unleash the region’s renewable energy resources. This includes the deployment of new HVDC links and upgrades to the transmission network, essential for offshore wind connections.
SSEN Transmission has emphasised the employment of state-of-the-art technology to establish a powerful 2GW bi-pole, 525kV HVDC link. By advancing invitations to tender for the crucial cable and converter components, the organisations involved are actively seeking to secure a robust supply chain. These strategic measures aim to ensure project completion within the stipulated timeline by 2033, while keeping within budgetary constraints, pending final project approval.
According to Ricky Saez, the EGL programme director at SSEN Transmission, the project positions itself as a pivotal element in the UK’s ambition to deliver clean energy to major demand centres nationwide. Saez acknowledged the substantial efforts made by SSEN staff and their delivery partners, National Grid, in reaching this vital milestone. He expressed optimism about announcing preferred bidders for the supply of cable and converter station capacity.
The Pathway to 2030 plan not only includes EGL3 but also several interconnected projects. These projects, which encompass various infrastructure enhancements, are positioned to support the UK’s progression towards a sustainable energy future. Noteworthy project collaborations include those with Balfour Beatty, Siemens-Bam JV, and J. Murphy and Sons, who are poised to deliver key onshore transmission infrastructure. Additionally, international partnerships such as the Sumitomo Van Oord JV for the Shetland 2 offshore link underline the global scope and ambition of the initiative.
The commencement of the tender process for the EGL3 subsea link is a significant stride towards a sustainable energy future for the UK.
