Eastern Green Link 4 confirms £3bn supply chain contracts for UK subsea link

Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4), one of a series of major subsea transmission projects planned along Britain’s east coast, has just got a step closer, with National Grid Electricity Transmission signing its latest supply chain contract as it gears up for construction to begin in 2028. 

Having selected Prysmian as its preferred cable bidder in October last year, NGET has now signed a new contract with Siemens Energy to supply the high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations for the project. 

While the project is not expected to be complete until 2033, and is still subject to planning permission, the signing of the two contracts with Siemens Energy and Prysmian highlight a significant milestone for Eastern Green Link 4. 

The 2GW link is being jointly developed by SP Energy Networks and NGET, and is one of the five subsea links being developed down the east coast of Britain. Like the other Eastern Green Link connectors, EGL4 will carry surplus renewable energy from Scotland and allow it to be used in England. It will also ease some of the grid bottlenecks that have caused curtailment costs to skyrocket. 

James Goode, Project Director of Eastern Green Link 4, noted, “Confirming £3 billion of contract awards demonstrates the scale and momentum behind Eastern Green Link 4 as we move into delivery. By bringing together the proven expertise of Siemens Energy and Prysmian, we’re building a highly capable UK supply chain to deliver this complex electricity infrastructure project.

“These agreements not only give us the confidence to progress at pace but also highlight how investment in network infrastructure can and will support UK economic growth, strengthen domestic capability and unlock the capacity needed to transport renewable energy efficiently, supporting both UK energy security and a cleaner energy system.”

Iain Adams, Deputy Project Director of Eastern Green Link 4, added, “Securing the international expertise of Siemens Energy and Prysmian to help us deliver this vital electricity connection is a real project milestone.

“These are the first of many more UK contracts to come for Eastern Green Link 4 which will increase grid capacity between Scotland and England, transporting clean power across the country and reducing constraints.”