The UK's electricity infrastructure took a significant step forward with the announcement that Hitachi Energy has been named the preferred bidder to deliver the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) project.

A joint initiative between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission, EGL3 is set to become one of the UK's largest transmission projects. The planned 2GW, 525kV HVDC link will run 680km between Longside in Aberdeenshire and Walpole in Norfolk, including a 100km underground cable route from Anderby Creek to the West Norfolk converter site.

The converter stations, to be constructed by Hitachi Energy pending planning approvals, will be key to transmitting clean electricity in both directions, depending on demand. Once complete, EGL3 will supply power to two million homes and help reduce grid constraint costs, a common driver of higher energy bills.

According to Mark Brackley, Project Director at National Grid, the move is a "major milestone" in developing a grid "fit for the future." James Johnson of SSEN Transmission added that EGL3 will "unlock Scotland's renewable energy potential" and boost UK energy security.

Planning submissions are expected in 2026, with construction slated to begin in 2029 and the link operational by 2033.