SSEN Transmission and the UK National Grid have selected Hitachi Energy as the preferred technology provider for two High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter stations to interconnect the Scottish and English power grids. This decision follows Hitachi Energy's recent selection to deliver the HVDC converter system for two other transmission links offshore Scotland.

The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project will comprise two 525kV bipole Voltage Source Converter (VSC) converter stations, connected by 440 kilometers of subsea cable and 70 kilometers of underground cable. This makes EGL2 the longest HVDC link in the UK.

By collaborating with construction company BAM, Hitachi Energy can invest in new production capacity and conduct large-scale recruitment drives. This collaboration also fosters stronger cooperation, standardization of solutions, and synergies between projects.

The EGL2 project is a crucial part of the UK's efforts to achieve its net-zero and energy security goals. Sarah Sale, Deputy Project Director of National Grid, expressed satisfaction with the progress and readiness of the project, along with other key announcements for cabling bidders and formal joint ventures.

The EGL links are an essential component of planned electricity grid reinforcements targeted at increasing the capacity of the existing UK transmission network to support higher flows of renewable generation from the North to demand centers in the South. This aligns with the objective of enabling 50 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 and attaining a net-zero economy by 2050.

In May, SSEN Transmission secured a marine license from Marine Scotland for the EGL2 project, which allows the installation of infrastructure within a designated 500-meter-wide corridor of the seabed within Scottish waters, extending from the proposed cable's landfall at Peterhead to the Scottish-English maritime border.

Hitachi Energy's HVDC technology is well-suited for integrating renewables and enhancing grid resilience, stability, and flexibility. The EGL2 link, with its capacity to supply 2,000 MW of electricity, will significantly contribute to power transmission in Northern UK and support the integration of new renewable electricity generation in Scotland. This is crucial for achieving the UK's Net Zero Strategy, which targets up to 11,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in Scottish waters by 2030.

Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business, emphasized that electricity would form the backbone of the entire energy system to meet the ambitious targets of the UK's Net Zero Strategy.

Working collaboratively with BAM, Hitachi Energy is committed to delivering this vital renewable energy project, facilitating the transmission of green energy from offshore wind generation areas to population centers, thereby supporting the UK's net-zero ambitions and enhancing energy security. The involvement of local communities and suppliers in Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire will further support BAM's vision of delivering sustainable infrastructure for clients and stakeholders.