Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3) is a proposed 2 GW high-voltage electricity transmission link between Peterhead and Walpole in Norfolk, jointly developed by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission.

Using subsea and underground cables, the link will transport renewable electricity generated in Scotland to areas of high demand across England. Once operational, EGL3 will be capable of carrying enough electricity to power around two million homes, helping reduce pressure on the existing network and strengthen Britain’s energy security.

The contract with National Grid Electricity Transmission will see BAM UK & Ireland deliver works at the southern converter station in Walpole. It follows an earlier appointment to deliver works at the northern converter station near Peterhead.

The appointment builds on BAM UK & Ireland’s expanding portfolio of energy transmission projects across the UK, including Eastern Green Link 2 and major grid infrastructure works for SSEN Transmission in Scotland. On Eastern Green Link 2, BAM UK & Ireland is working in partnership with SSEN Transmission, National Grid and Hitachi Energy to construct converter stations at Peterhead and Drax in North Yorkshire.

Huw Jones, executive director – infrastructure at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “We’re not just building energy infrastructure. We’re building the connections that will power Britain’s future.

“With BAM appointed to civil engineering works at both ends of EGL3, alongside our work on EGL2, we’re helping transform Britain’s electricity network and turn the UK’s clean energy ambitions into reality.”

Mark Brackley, project director for Eastern Green Link 3, said: “Awarding this contract is an important step forward for Eastern Green Link 3 and the wider programme of network investment taking place across Great Britain.

“By increasing capacity between Scotland and England, EGL3 will help reduce constraints on the electricity network, allowing more renewable power to be transported from where it is generated to where it is needed. This will be vital to building a modern electricity network that can support economic growth and meet future demand.

“We look forward to working closely with BAM UK & Ireland as we move into the next phase of delivery.”

Mott MacDonald will support BAM UK & Ireland as lead civil and structural designer on the project.

Claudio Tassistro, managing director of energy, Europe at Mott MacDonald, said: “Building on our established partnership with BAM and our involvement in the development of EGL3 to date, this appointment provides continuity at a critical stage of the project. Our teams bring a shared understanding of the technical and delivery challenges involved, alongside extensive experience of HVDC and converter station projects across the UK.

“Together, we look forward to supporting National Grid in progressing the southern converter station design and helping deliver infrastructure that will connect more renewable energy to homes and businesses.”

The contract award forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid’s wider programme to upgrade and reinforce the electricity network. By increasing capacity between Scotland and England, EGL3 will help reduce network constraints, connect more low-carbon electricity and meet growing energy demand, while supporting long-term investment in UK skills and the supply chain.