The Eastern Green Link 2 project – a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission – has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the north-east of Scotland economy having already awarded over £9m of contracts to businesses local to the project’s northern landfall site in Peterhead.
The local supplier contracts have been awarded across a range of services, from accommodation and catering to materials and specialist subcontracting. These awards reflect the project’s focus on maximising regional benefits and creating lasting economic opportunities alongside the delivery of a critical national infrastructure project – the biggest electricity transmission project that the UK has ever seen.
Some of the most notable local contract awards include:
- Subcontracting services – nearly £8.5m
- Small tools and plant hire – over £200,000
- Accommodation – over £180,000
- Supply of materials – over £150,000
- Catering and food services – over £60,000
SSEN Transmission, transmission operator for the north of Scotland where the project comes onshore at Peterhead, has been working closely with local businesses to ensure the benefits of the nationally significant project are felt throughout the communities it serves.
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 example of local business working constructively in collaboration with the EGL2 project comes in the form of the multi-million pound contract awarded to Fraserburgh-based David Smith Contractors Ltd for civil engineering works at the Peterhead site, a crucial component of the converter station that connects the 436km subsea HVDC cable system to the existing transmission network infrastructure. The contract has created nine additional full-time roles, further demonstrating EGL2’s positive impact on local employment.
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.”
Another local business benefitting from the EGL2 project is Entier, who have been providing catering services to the workers at the project’s Peterhead site.
“We’re excited to be providing catering services that fuel the hardworking teams on the EGL2 site. We take great pride in supporting the communities where we live and work, and this contract not only supports our business growth but also strengthens our ties with the local community. We’re proud to be contributing to such an important project for Scotland and the UK too.” Peter Bruce, CEO of Entier Ltd, said.
Speaking on the award of local contracts, Councillor Stephen Smith said: “This £9million spending boost to the local economy is extremely welcome and I’m delighted that local suppliers and businesses are benefitting from the construction of this infrastructure, which is also creating new jobs.”
EGL2 is part of a broader effort to upgrade the UK’s electricity transmission network, enabling the integration of more renewable energy and supporting energy security and net zero targets. Construction started in 2025, and the subsea cable is anticipated to be fully energised in 2029.