Hitachi Energy has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) subsea power cable project, a major infrastructure development aimed at increasing the UK’s transmission capacity for renewable electricity.
The 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will connect Longside in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, with Walpole in Norfolk, England, through approximately 680 kilometres of subsea and underground cables. The project, jointly led by National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission, is expected to deliver enough clean electricity to power around two million homes.
The 525kV HVDC system will allow for bi-directional energy flow, helping to balance supply and demand across regions. Converter stations at each end of the link will play a central role in facilitating long-distance power transmission.
“EGL3 represents another important step towards building the grid of the future,” said Mark Brackley, project director at National Grid. “It will support the delivery of clean, secure and affordable energy.”
SSEN Transmission’s deputy project director James Johnson described the development as “a vital part of the UK’s future electricity backbone,” highlighting its role in supporting energy transition goals.
Planning applications for the project are expected to be submitted in 2026. Subject to approvals, construction is planned to begin in 2029, with operations scheduled to start by 2033.
Hitachi Energy stated that the company remains committed to advancing the UK’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions and enhancing national grid resilience.
National Grid said the EGL3 project will help reduce constraint costs, improve energy security, and alleviate pressure on the existing electricity network as demand for low-carbon energy continues to grow.
