Siemens Energy has been appointed preferred bidder to deliver two major HVDC converter stations for the UK’s 2GW Eastern Green Link 4 subsea power cable. The project will connect Scotland’s renewable energy to England via a 530km cable, supporting the nation’s transition to net zero and enhancing grid resilience by 2033.
National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks have chosen Siemens Energy as the preferred bidder to deliver two high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations as part of the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) project, marking a pivotal move toward expanding the UK’s electricity transmission infrastructure. EGL4 is an ambitious 2GW subsea electricity link, designed to transport clean energy generated primarily in Scotland to demand centres in England via a 530km subsea cable, connecting Fife to West Norfolk. This new ‘superhighway’ of power aims to significantly increase capacity and energy security, facilitating the UK’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.
The selection of Siemens Energy followed a rigorous competitive procurement process and is a strategic step toward the full contract award, anticipated as the project advances through key planning milestones. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2029, with EGL4 becoming operational by 2033. This timeline aligns with the broader national agenda to bolster the electricity grid capacity, especially as Scotland continues to expand its offshore and onshore wind generation—a resource that currently outstrips existing transmission capabilities.
National Grid and SP Energy Networks highlight that subsea, long-distance, bi-directional links like EGL4 are essential in securing the UK’s energy independence and affordability by enabling the transport of renewable energy domestically, thus reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports. EGL4 is among five proposed subsea interconnectors between Scotland and England, collectively capable of delivering power to up to 10 million homes, reinforcing the critical role such infrastructure will play in meeting the UK’s ambitious net zero targets.
James Goode, project director for EGL4 at National Grid, noted that reaching the preferred bidder stage exemplifies the project’s progress, describing Siemens Energy as a vital partner due to their expertise in HVDC converter station delivery. Similarly, Iain Adams, deputy project director and head of Converter Delivery for EGL4 at SP Energy Networks, emphasised the strategic importance of this east coast link in improving network resilience, reducing constraints, and supporting economic growth. He also welcomed Siemens Energy’s participation, highlighting their proven capability in similar grid enhancement projects.
This collaboration builds on Siemens Energy’s recent inclusion in National Grid’s £59 billion HVDC supply chain framework, underscoring its strengthened position in the UK’s energy infrastructure sector. The company views EGL4 as a critical investment in grid infrastructure to meet the growing electrification demand and cleaner energy goals. Mark Pilling, Siemens Energy’s vice president for Grid Solutions Europe, remarked that their technological expertise will be key in supporting National Grid and SP Energy Networks’ efforts to upgrade and expand the UK’s power network.
In context, this development complements other major HVDC projects underway or planned in the UK, including the Sea Link project connecting Suffolk and Kent. The progress of EGL4 fits within a broader strategic push, with other subsea links like the Eastern Green Link 1 recently awarding contracts to different industry consortia to deliver further HVDC infrastructure, evidencing a multi-pronged approach to enhancing the electricity grid.
Meanwhile, SSEN Transmission is investing over £10 billion in network upgrades, focusing on the north of Scotland to integrate renewable generation projects, a part of the wider ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme. This illustrates the comprehensive national effort encompassing multiple transmission owners aimed at accommodating the rapid growth in renewable energy generation and facilitating the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The public consultation on EGL4’s routing and environmental considerations has recently reached its second phase, with feedback being actively integrated into the project’s development plans. National Grid anticipates submitting the planning application in Scotland by late summer 2025, followed by the development consent application in England in 2026, reflecting a methodical approach to addressing regulatory and community considerations alongside technical delivery.
Overall, the preferred bidder appointment of Siemens Energy for EGL4 marks a significant milestone in the UK’s energy infrastructure evolution, spotlighting an integrated approach to leveraging advanced HVDC technology and cross-border collaboration to enhance national energy security and sustainability.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://industrialnews.co.uk/siemens-energy-preferred-bidder-for-egl4-hvdc-converter-stations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=siemens-energy-preferred-bidder-for-egl4-hvdc-converter-stations – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.nationalgrid.com/media-centre/press-releases/Milestone-reached-for-new-subsea-electricity-link – National Grid and SP Energy Networks have selected Siemens Energy as the preferred bidder for the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) project, a new subsea electricity ‘superhighway’ between Scotland and England. EGL4 is a proposed 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) link that will transport clean energy from Fife, Scotland, to West Norfolk, England, via a 530km subsea cable. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with the link becoming operational in 2033.
- https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/news/pages/milestone_reached_for_new_subsea_electricity_link_between_scotland_and_england_as_preferred_bidder_announced.aspx – SP Energy Networks and National Grid have announced Siemens Energy as the preferred bidder for the Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) project. EGL4 is a proposed 2GW HVDC electricity link connecting Fife, Scotland, to West Norfolk, England, through a 530km subsea cable. This project aims to enhance capacity and energy security by transporting clean, home-grown energy. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2029, with operations starting in 2033.
- https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-selects-siemens-energy-as-preferred-bidder – National Grid has selected Siemens Energy as the preferred bidder for the Sea Link project’s two HVDC converter stations. Sea Link is a proposed 2GW HVDC transmission system in the UK, linking Suffolk and Kent, connected by a 138km 525 kV marine cable routed through the southern North Sea and across the Thames Estuary. This project aims to strengthen the UK’s electricity network and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
- https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-awards-hvdc-supply-chain-framework-contracts – National Grid has awarded two parts of a £59bn High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) supply chain framework to deliver the required works and equipment needed for key energy projects across the country. The HVDC converter systems Framework has been awarded to GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Mitsubishi Electric, and Siemens Energy. Contracts have been secured for a five-year period, with the potential to extend for a further three years.
- https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-and-sp-energy-networks-select-consortium-ge-vernova-and-mytilineos-energy-metals – National Grid and SP Energy Networks have selected a consortium of GE Vernova and MYTILINEOS Energy & Metals as the preferred grid supplier for the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) HVDC converter stations. EGL1 is a 525kV, 2GW HVDC subsea transmission link from East Lothian in Scotland to County Durham in England, enabling the transmission of renewable green energy to power more than two million homes across the UK.
- https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-and-ssen-transmission-agree-joint-venture-uks-largest-ever-electricity-transmission – SSEN Transmission will be investing over £10bn to upgrade the network around key areas, connecting new onshore and offshore renewables generation in the north of Scotland, as part of its ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme, supporting the delivery of Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets. The programme comprises nine significant onshore and subsea projects, including EGL2.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being 17th July 2025. The report is based on a press release from National Grid and SP Energy Networks, dated the same day, indicating high freshness. ([nationalgrid.com](https://www.nationalgrid.com/media-centre/press-releases/Milestone-reached-for-new-subsea-electricity-link?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes are present in the provided text, suggesting original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations: National Grid and SP Energy Networks, both established entities in the UK’s energy sector. The press release is accessible on National Grid’s official website, confirming its authenticity. ([nationalgrid.com](https://www.nationalgrid.com/media-centre/press-releases/Milestone-reached-for-new-subsea-electricity-link?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims align with known developments in the UK’s energy infrastructure. The selection of Siemens Energy as the preferred bidder for the EGL4 project is consistent with previous announcements, such as Siemens Energy being named as the preferred bidder for the Sea Link project in April 2025. ([nationalgrid.com](https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-selects-siemens-energy-as-preferred-bidder?utm_source=openai)) The timeline for construction commencing in 2029 and becoming operational by 2033 is plausible within the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, originating from reputable sources, and presents plausible claims consistent with known developments in the UK’s energy sector. The absence of direct quotes and the alignment with official press releases further support its credibility.
