BAM selected to deliver Eastern Green Link 2 converter stations as part of the UK’s single largest electricity transmission project
Camberley, 26 July 2023 - SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) have selected BAM and Hitachi Energy as preferred suppliers for the HVDC converter stations, on their subsea electricity superhighway development, Eastern Green Link 2.
The ‘Eastern Green Link 2’ (EGL2) project will see the creation of a 525kV, 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission cable from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in England. The longest HVDC cable in the UK and the UK’s single largest electricity transmission project ever, providing enough electricity to power 2 million UK homes.
BAM will work in collaboration with Hitachi Energy to provide the engineering works and technology for the HVDC converter stations which form the terminals for the HVDC cable and convert direct current to the alternating current used in the onshore transmission network.
Following final approval from Ofgem, work is expected to commence in 2024 with a targeted operational date of 2029.
The subsea HVDC cable system is approximately 436km in length with new converter stations at either end to connect it into the existing transmission network infrastructure. High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology provides the most efficient and reliable means of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances subsea.
EGL2 is part of the significant amount of new network infrastructure required for net zero and will play a critical role in supporting the UK’s future security of supply, reducing dependence and price exposure to volatile global wholesale gas markets.
Huw Jones, Executive Director BAM Nuttall, said: ‘BAM is delighted to work in collaboration with Hitachi Energy on this vital renewable energy project for National Grid and SSEN Transmission. The converter stations will enable the transmission of green energy from areas of offshore wind generation to centres of population, supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions and providing better energy security. We look forward to engaging with local communities and suppliers in Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire, supporting BAM’s vision to deliver sustainable infrastructure for our clients, stakeholders and the communities in which we work.’
Sarah Sale, Deputy Project Director, National Grid, said: ‘This is another important milestone for EGL2 which is part of the new network infrastructure required to help the UK meet its net zero and energy security ambitions. Along with cabling bidder and formal joint venture announcements, this is another key part of the project which is now in place and ready for the delivery phase. We look forward to working in collaboration with Hitachi Energy and BAM as the project continues to progress.’
SSEN Transmission’s Ricky Saez, the EGL2 Project Director, said: ‘Getting to preferred bidder status with Hitachi Energy and BAM is another massive step in delivering the hugely important EGL2 project. It’s the final major contract that needed to be agreed and really sets the Joint Venture up to be delivered.
“The converter stations at either end of the cable will play a crucial role in making the power transported subsea suitable for transportation around the onshore transmission network - getting Hitachi Energy and BAM in place to deliver that technology is great for the project.’
Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said: ‘The UK’s Net Zero Strategy has ambitious targets which will require vast amounts of new renewable generation. Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system. Our pioneering HVDC technology will ensure that this electricity will reliably and efficiently get where it’s needed most.’
Find out more about this ground-breaking project by visiting the newly launched dedicated EGL2 website, www.easterngreenlink2.co.uk.
About BAM
BAM works in partnership with public and private sector clients across the UK and Ireland to develop, design, build, and maintain infrastructure and buildings which make a real difference to people’s lives. We are part of Royal BAM Group, one of the largest construction companies in Europe.
For almost 150 years, we have been shaping the UK and Ireland’s vital infrastructure and creating many of the country's most iconic buildings. We create sustainable environments that enhance people’s lives. We’ve set an industry-leading carbon target to become net zero in our direct operations by 2026, and we’re supporting our clients and supply chain to create more sustainable places. Learn more about BAM UK and Ireland by visiting: ukandireland.bam.com.
About National Grid in the UK
National Grid sits at the heart of Britain’s energy system. The individual companies in our group run the networks and infrastructure that connect millions of people to the electricity they use every day. Our regulated businesses own and develop the high voltage electricity transmission (ET) network in England and Wales, and the electricity distribution (ED) network in the Midlands, South West England and South Wales. The electricity system operator (ESO) is the legally separate (and in the process of becoming fully independent) arm of our group which manages supply and demand on Britain's electricity transmission networks. Operating separately from these core regulated units, National Grid Ventures (NGV) focuses on competitive markets, investing in energy projects, technologies and collaborations such as electricity interconnectors. We bring energy to life, with an ambition to serve our customers well, support the communities in which we operate, and make possible a clean, affordable and resilient energy network of the future.
About SSEN Transmission
SSEN Transmission is responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, investing in and maintaining the high voltage 132kV, 220kV, 275kV and 400kV electricity transmission network. SSEN Transmission’s strategic objective is to enable the transition to a low carbon economy. It does this by building the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to connect and transport renewable electricity from the north of Scotland to areas of demand, as it delivers a network for net zero emissions. SSEN Transmission is owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers’). Learn more about SSEN Transmission by visiting www.ssen-transmission.co.uk, twitter at @ssetransmission, LinkedIn or Instagram.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world's energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over US$10 billion. www.hitachienergy.com.
About Hitachi, Ltd
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” - supporting our customers’ digital transformation; ‘Green Energy & Mobility’ - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and ‘Connective Industries’ - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totalled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.
Press contact BAM: Lucy Humphreys, lucy.humphreys@bam.com.
- Click here for the press release of National Grid.
- Click here for the press release of Hitachi Energy.