A key phase in the UK's largest ever electricity transmission project has been completed, marking significant progress in the delivery of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2).

Local firm David Smith Contractors Ltd has successfully finished the civil engineering works for a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station in Peterhead. The Fraserburgh-based company completed the construction platform ahead of schedule, setting the stage for the next phase of the multi-billion-pound energy infrastructure project.

The work involved excavating the site and using locally sourced quarried stone to create a level platform for the converter station. Once operational, the station will form a crucial link in the 436km subsea HVDC cable connection between Peterhead and Yorkshire, enabling enough clean electricity to power two million homes to be integrated into the existing transmission network.

The involvement of David Smith Contractors highlights the project's strong focus on local economic engagement. Over £9 million in contracts have been awarded to businesses in the north-east of Scotland, reinforcing the commitment to supporting the regional supply chain.

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As a result of its involvement in EGL2, David Smith Contractors has created nine new full-time roles and will continue its work on the site into 2026 after being awarded a further contract for drainage works. The converter station platform contract was awarded by BAM Nuttall, the project’s principal contractor.

Jamie Wallace, Deputy Project Director from SSEN Transmission and Head of Delivery for the EGL2 converter station sites in Peterhead and Wren Hall, said: "We are delighted to mark this key milestone in the delivery of the EGL2 project, and it is thanks to the hard work of David Smith Contractors that the converter station platform has been completed ahead of schedule. The quality of the work and the focus on safety and efficiency is testament to David Smith and BAM Nutall's professionalism and collaboration to deliver this critical national infrastructure project.

"The company previously carried out enabling works to create a first-class platform for our temporary site welfare and office complex, so this marks another achievement by a local contractor that is one of many helping deliver the UK’s largest ever electricity transmission project.

"We are committed to engaging with the local supply chain as part of EGL2, and our partnership with David Smith Contractors will continue into 2026 after it was awarded a significant contract for site drainage works at the Peterhead site.

"This underlines our commitment to maximise local employment and business opportunities throughout the construction phase of the project and beyond."