National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks have selected Siemens Energy as preferred bidder for two high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) project.
EGL4 is a proposed new 2GW HVDC electricity link which will transport energy between Fife, Scotland and West Norfolk, England and onto the network via a 530km high voltage subsea cable.
New long-distance, bi-directional, subsea infrastructure like EGL4 is needed because much of the UK’s new offshore and onshore wind generation is in or around Scotland, but the existing transmission network does not have the capacity to move all this cleaner electricity to where it is most needed.
EGL4 is one of five proposed subsea links between Scotland and England being delivered through joint ventures with Scottish transmission owners. A planning application in Scotland is expected in late summer and an application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate in England during 2026. Construction is currently expected to begin in 2029, with the link becoming operational in 2033.