UK’s Largest Power Link Moves Ahead with BAM EGL3 Civil Works Deal
BAM UK & Ireland has entered a new phase of delivery on SSEN Transmission’s Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), following the signing of a contract to carry out early civil engineering works for the northern converter station near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. The project forms part of what is positioned as the UK’s largest electricity transmission development to date.
The agreement brings Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) into scope for BAM UK & Ireland, covering design input and constructability support for the converter station and associated infrastructure. The early works focus on preparing the site for future HVDC installation, including enabling civil components that will support high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems.
EGL3 is being developed as a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission. The scheme targets a 2GW, 525kV HVDC connection stretching approximately 680km between Scotland and England, linking Peterhead with Norfolk. The infrastructure is intended to move large volumes of renewable electricity across the transmission network, strengthening north-south energy transfer capacity.
The next delivery phase, expected in 2027, will cover detailed design and full construction of buildings, access roads, drainage systems, and other structural elements required for the converter station. These works will form the backbone for the later installation of HVDC equipment.
Within the announcement, BAM UK & Ireland Director Adrian Collins framed the project within the wider energy transition context, noting: “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.”
From the transmission operator side, James Johnson of SSEN Transmission described the contract as a key supply chain milestone for EGL3, emphasizing the importance of timely civils delivery in enabling subsequent HVDC installation and overall project success.
If approved and completed, EGL3 is expected to play a central role in reinforcing grid resilience while supporting increased integration of renewable generation across the UK system.
Source: ssen-transmission.co.uk
