Hitachi Energy has been selected as the preferred technology provider by SSEN Transmission and National Grid to supply two high-voltage direct current converter stations for a new interconnector that will link the Scottish and English power grids.
Eastern Green Link 2 will consist of two 525 kV bipole VSC (voltage sourced converter) converter stations connected by 440 km of subsea cable and 70 km of underground cable, making it the longest HVDC link in the UK. It will be rated at 2000 MW.
The link will help to secure power transmission in the northern UK and support the integration of new renewable electricity generation in Scotland, as part of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. It is possible that 11 000 MW of offshore wind capacity will be operating in Scottish waters by 2030 and HVDC transmission will play a large part in bringing this huge amount of renewable power to demand centres in the south.
Hitachi Energy is collaborating with BAM, a construction company that designs, builds, and maintains sustainable buildings and infrastructure, to provide the civil and installation scope for the project. The collaboration with BAM will employ the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a ‘best-in-class solution’ for the project.
