Sinclair Knight Merz was jointly appointed by NGET/SPTL and Ofgem to act as the independent reviewer for the Western HVDC Link (Stage 1: Need Case, published August 2011). SKM evaluated the need, scope and timing of the HVDC component, reviewed the procurement approach and tender evaluation process, and assessed technical and whole‑life cost justifications for awarding the HVDC contracts. The review covered project delivery milestones, capacity options and informed the funding decision pathway toward a target commissioning in 2015.