A major agreement has been concluded with BAM to undertake the initial phase of civil engineering for the northern converter station on the proposed Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), marking a significant step forward for what is set to be the UK’s largest electricity transmission project.

Through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangement, BAM will provide design input and constructability support for the converter station and associated civil works at the site near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire. The next phase of work, expected to be awarded in 2027, will cover the detailed design and construction of buildings, access roads, drainage and other essential elements needed to facilitate installation of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology.

EGL3 is a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission to deliver a 2GW, 525kV HVDC link between Peterhead and Norfolk. Extending roughly 680km across onshore and subsea sections, the scheme will move substantial volumes of renewable electricity between Scotland and England.

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If consented, and once complete, EGL3 is intended to enhance energy security and accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon economy by enabling more clean, homegrown power to flow across the network. By boosting transmission capacity between Scotland and England, it is expected to reduce constraint costs and improve the efficient use of renewable generation.

The civils contract with BAM is a key step in readying the northern converter station site for HVDC equipment, helping to keep the proposed project on its delivery timetable.

James Johnson, SSEN Transmission's Joint Venture Programme Director – and the Deputy Project Director for EGL3, said: "Signing this contract with BAM is another important milestone for EGL3 as we continue to secure the supply chain needed to deliver this nationally significant infrastructure project.

"The northern converter station is a critical component of the project, and the safe, efficient and timely installation of the civils works will be central to enabling the subsequent installation of the HVDC technology and is therefore key to the success of the project.

"EGL3 will play a vital role in unlocking Scotland's renewable energy potential and delivering clean power to homes and businesses across the UK, while also supporting jobs and economic growth in the north-east of Scotland."

Adrian Collins, Director at BAM UK & Ireland, said: "We're so pleased to be continuing our work on Eastern Green Link, helping to distribute valuable renewable energy from Scotland to England. Our ECI agreement marks a significant step in that process, which will deliver critical infrastructure for the Peterhead converter station. We look forward to working alongside our project partners and playing our role in bringing clean, renewable power to all corners of the UK."