Work to deliver the UK’s largest ever electricity transmission project has taken a major step forward with the completion of civil engineering works for a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station in Peterhead.
Local firm David Smith Contractors Ltd has completed work on a new platform for the construction of the converter station ahead of schedule, marking the latest stage in progress on the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project.
The work involved the excavation of the site and the use of local quarried stone to create a level platform for the construction of the converter station, which will help connect the 436km subsea HVDC cable system between Peterhead and Yorkshire to existing transmission network infrastructure, allowing the delivery of enough clean electricity to power two million homes.
The appointment of David Smith Contractors Ltd to deliver on this crucial aspect of EGL2 underlines the project’s commitment to engaging the local supply chain in the north-east of Scotland, with over £9m of contracts awarded to local businesses.
From left to right – Jamie Wallace (SSEN Transmission), David Smith (David Smith Contractors Ltd), Alan McWilliam (BAM Nutall)
Nine additional full-time roles have been created at the Fraserburgh-based company through its involvement in the project, having been awarded the contract to deliver the converter station platform by principal contractor BAM Nutall. This involvement will continue into 2026, after the company was awarded another contract to deliver drainage works at the site.
Jamie Wallace, Deputy Project Director from SSEN Transmission, is EGL2 Head of Delivery for the converter station sites in Peterhead and in Wren Hall, Yorkshire.
He 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.
Aerial image showing progress at the EGL2 site in Peterhead and featuring work ongoing at the completed converter station platform to the rear.
“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.”
David Smith, Managing Director, David Smith Contractors Ltd, said: “As a local company we are proud to have made a significant contribution to this nationally important project, most recently through the early completion of the civil engineering works for the converter station platform.
“This is testament to the quality of our workforce – many of whom live and work locally –as well as the strong relationship we have with BAM Nutall and SSEN Transmission.
From David Smith Contractors Ltd, the local workforce that has helped complete civil engineering works on the EGL2 HVDC converter station platform in Peterhead. (From left to right) Alex Bain, Site Engineer (Peterhead), Zander Sangster, Site Foreman (Peterhead), David Smith Managing Director (Fraserburgh), Philip Sangster, Drainage Ganger (Peterhead), Andy Phipps, Commercial Manager (Cruden Bay)
“Our involvement in EGL2 has created a significant number of new roles within the company, as well as supporting the wider economy in and around Peterhead. In addition, it is also supporting our social value work including STEM activities and career days with local schools, and apprenticeship and placement opportunities with local colleges and universities.
“This demonstrates the added value that EGL2 has brought to the local community in the north-east of Scotland, and we are delighted that our involvement in the project will continue after we were awarded the contract to deliver the site drainage works.”
Alan McWilliam, Project Director for BAM Nutall, added: “David Smith Contractors bring more than a contracted service. Their local insight, adaptability and high-calibre people have been key to safe and timely delivery.
“At BAM, connecting people and communities means partnering with local businesses who enhance delivery and create lasting value.”