The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project, a major joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the north-east economy, having already awarded over £9 million in contracts to businesses local to the project's northern landfall site in Peterhead.

These contracts, which span a variety of services including accommodation, catering, materials supply, and specialist subcontracting, underline the project’s focus on maximising regional benefits. The initiative not only delivers a vital component of the UK’s electricity infrastructure, but also creates lasting economic opportunities for the local community. EGL2 is the largest electricity transmission project ever undertaken in the UK.

Breakdown of local contract awards includes:

• Subcontracting services – nearly £8.5 million

• Small tools and plant hire – over £200,000

• Accommodation – over £180,000

• Supply of materials – over £150,000

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• Catering and food services – over £60,000

SSEN Transmission, responsible for the network where the project connects at Peterhead, has been actively engaging with local suppliers to ensure the community directly benefits from this nationally significant investment.

Fionán Doonan, EGL2 Project Director, said: "EGL2 is not just a vital part of our energy infrastructure; it's an opportunity to invest in local jobs, skills, and businesses.

"As we deliver the infrastructure required to unlock a cheaper, cleaner and more secure electricity system for homes and businesses across the country, we are committed to doing so in a way that supports local people and local businesses, leaving a positive and lasting legacy.

"We're extremely proud to be working with high-quality suppliers from across the region in the delivery of this project and look forward to continuing that collaboration as work progresses."

One of the most significant local contract awards went to Fraserburgh-based David Smith Contractors Ltd, who are delivering key civil engineering works at the Peterhead site, a crucial element of the converter station that connects the 436km subsea HVDC cable to the national grid. The contract has already led to the creation of nine new full-time jobs.

David Smith, from David Smith Contractors Ltd, said: "We are proud to play a key role in delivering this important phase of the EGL2 project which is allowing us to showcase our expertise and commitment to quality, while supporting local employment and the regional economy. Thanks to the great working relationship we've developed with BAM and SSEN Transmission over the course of the project to date, we have since been awarded the permanent drainage package which is also a significant value and will see us working at the site until 2026. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SSEN Transmission and contributing to Scotland’s energy infrastructure."