BAM and Hitachi Energy have been selected as preferred suppliers to deliver 'Eastern Green Link 2' (EGL2) Converter Stations.

The companies were chosen by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET).

The 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.

-- Advertisement --

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.

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."

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."