Eastern Green Link 4 moves forward as Prysmian selected as preferred cable bidder

National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and SP Energy Networks (SPEN) have selected Prysmian as the preferred bidder to deliver the HVDC cable system for Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4). 

EGL4 is designed to move up to 2 GW of renewable power between Scotland and England via a 646km route of subsea and underground cables. It’s believed that the link would provide enough capacity to power around two million homes, with homes in England able to benefit from the abundance of renewable energy capacity that is available in Scotland. 

The link is one of a series of east coast HVDC ‘Eastern Green Link’ projects designed to move Scottish renewable generation to demand centres in England. While it should be obvious from the name, there are a further 3 – which include EGL1, EGL2 and EGL3. EGL1 runs Torness–Hawthorn Pit and is under construction; EGL2 links Peterhead–Drax; EGL3 and EGL4 add further capacity into West Norfolk. Together, they form part of National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade.

The appointment of Prysmian follows a competitive procurement process, which is reported to be worth around €2 billion, and marks a key step towards a full contract award. Planning applications are due to be submitted in Scotland in late 2025 and in England during 2026. The preferred bidder decision does not pre-empt or prejudice the outcome of those planning processes.

Subject to consents, construction is expected to start in 2029, with the link planned to be operational in 2033.