Major grid contracts signed to deliver the UK’s biggest electricity transmission project – Eastern Green Link 3

The EGL3 contracts confirm Hitachi Energy as the delivery partner for the high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and West Norfolk, England, and NKT as the delivery partner for the subsea and underground cable that will link the converter stations. Together, these agreements, totalling nearly £3 billion, will see the delivery of a 690km high voltage link, including approximately 580km offshore between Scotland and England, capable of transporting enough power for two million homes – making EGL3 the largest electricity transmission project of its kind in the UK.

Once operational, EGL3 will play a central role in reducing constraint costs – the payments made when wind farms are asked to turn down generation due to limited grid capacity. With renewable generation strongest offshore and along the east coast and in Scotland, EGL3 will help remove transmission bottlenecks so that cleaner, homegrown electricity can flow to where it is needed. By increasing transmission capacity between Scotland and England, the project will strengthen the UK’s energy security and support more affordable energy bills.

The contracts emphasise the importance of a strong and resilient supply chain to deliver the scale of infrastructure required for the energy transition. Hitachi Energy and NKT are both strategic partners for National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission across their wider portfolios, supporting efforts to secure global supply chains, drive innovation, and maximise the economic value of major grid investments for the UK.

Mark Brackley, Project Director for Eastern Green Link 3 at National Grid, said:
“Signing these contracts is a major milestone for EGL3 and for the joint venture between National Grid and SSEN Transmission. By working with world‑class supply chain partners, we are investing in infrastructure that will reduce constraint costs, strengthen energy security and ensure more clean electricity can flow to homes and businesses across the country, while also supporting jobs and economic growth in the regions.”

James Johnson, EGL3’s Deputy Project Director, said:
“EGL3 is a vital investment in the UK’s future energy system. 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. This project will play a key role in cutting constraint costs, supporting consumer affordability and delivering long‑term economic benefits, while building the resilient infrastructure required to meet the UK’s energy security and clean power ambitions.”

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.This link is a critical step in strengthening the UK’s transmission backbone, making sure renewable power reaches the grid when and where it’s needed – maximizing its potential and supporting a more secure and sustainable energy system. 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. This is how we ensure predictability, manage complexity, and ultimately deliver high‑performance transmission projects safely, on time, and within budget, together."

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 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. With our proven expertise in HVDC technology, we look forward to delivering the cable systems that will reinforce the grid and support a cleaner, more reliable energy future.”

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. Subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, construction is due to begin in 2028, with the link expected to be energised in 2033.