Positive
Project advancing - milestone achieved
Medium Impact
Significant progress or notable issue
SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission awarded a ~£3bn (~€3.5bn / ~$3.96bn) HVDC converter station contract to Siemens Energy on 30 March 2026, confirming the preferred-bidder selection announced on 17 July 2025. The contract covers design, supply and construction of two voltage-source-converter HVDC stations: one at Westfield (Fife, Scotland) and one at the proposed Walpole B area (Norfolk, England). The stations convert AC to DC for transmission at 525 kV over the ~640 km subsea-and-underground route, then back to AC for integration into the GB onshore grid. Siemens Energy employs over 7,000 people across the UK and will draw on its Manchester centre of excellence. Combined with the Prysmian £2bn cable contract awarded 2 February 2026, the total EGL4 supply chain package now stands at £3bn / €3.5bn confirmed. Main construction is expected to begin in 2028 subject to planning consent, with the link scheduled to complete in 2033.