Major £3bn contracts have been signed for Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), the UK’s largest electricity transmission project between Scotland and England.

The contracts cover the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations and the subsea and underground power cable system. Hitachi Energy will deliver the converter stations in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and West Norfolk, England, while Danish cable manufacturer NKT will design, build and install the 525kV subsea and underground link connecting the two stations.

Eastern Green Links is a electricity ‘superhighway’ project consisting of four high-voltage subsea and underground electricity transmission links between Scotland and England. These links will transport the vast amount of renewable energy generated in Scotland to other areas of the UK.

EGL3, which will connect Peterhead in Scotland with Norfolk in England, is being developed and managed by a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission.

It will consist of a 690km HVDC link, including approximately 580km offshore between Scotland and England, capable of transporting enough power for two million homes. This, according to the National Grid, will make EGL3 the largest electricity transmission project of its kind in the UK.

It is scheduled for delivery by 2033. Once operational, it will help increase transmission capacity and reduce constraint costs. These costs are caused by insufficient transmission capacity, meaning wind farms in Scotland and off the coast are forced to turn down generation. A report published last year revealed that over 12 Terawatt hours of renewable power was curtailed in 2025 due to the disconnect between renewable generation and grid infrastructure capacity. 

The Eastern Green Links project aims to increase transmission capacity between Scotland and England to help strengthen the UK’s energy security and support more affordable energy bills. 

James Johnson, EGL3’s deputy project director, said: “By securing these major contracts, we’re taking a decisive step towards strengthening the electricity network so more clean, homegrown power can flow from where it’s generated to where it’s needed most.”

Niklas Persson, managing director of Hitachi Energy’s business unit grid integration, said: “We’re proud that Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology and execution capabilities will play a central role in EGL3. What truly sets this partnership apart is its focus on long‑term planning that enables Hitachi Energy to scale our human capabilities, coordinate with suppliers and align the entire value chain well in advance.”

Claes Westerlind, president and CEO of NKT, said: “Signing the contract for EGL3 is a significant milestone for NKT and for the reinforcement of Great Britain’s power system. We are proud to take this important step together with the National Grid and SSEN Transmission, strengthening our long‑term collaboration and reflecting the trust our partners place in NKT as we work to advance the UK’s energy transition.”

According to the National Grid, EGL3 has already received planning in principle for the converter station site in Scotland through the Netherton Hub and has undergone two rounds of public consultation in relation to the planned works in England, with a planning application expected to be submitted later this year.

It says that subject to approval by energy minister Ed Miliband, construction is due to begin in 2028, with the link expected to be energised in 2033.