SSEN Transmission announced that local Fraserburgh firm David Smith Contractors Ltd has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract to help deliver a new HVDC converter station required as part of Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), the UK’s largest ever electricity transmission project.
David Smith Contractors will carry out civil engineering works at the site near Boddam, Peterhead, as part of the delivery of the converter station that will help connect the 436km subsea HVDC cable system to existing transmission network infrastructure.
Delivered as a joint venture by SSEN Transmission and National Grid, EGL2 is a £4.3 billlion project that will include the longest HVDC subsea cable in the UK, linking Peterhead to the Drax power station in Selby, North Yorkshire.
It comes as part of a £20 billion investment programme led by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, supporting thousands of jobs while helping to deliver Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power targets.
“The appointment of a local firm to deliver on a crucial aspect of EGL2 underlines the project’s commitment to engaging the local supply chain in the north-east of Scotland, while delivering social value,” said SSEN Transmission.
“The Fraserburgh-based company has so far created nine extra full-time roles through its involvement with EGL2, having already delivered enabling works at the site.
“The latest contract award is expected to sustain these roles, while potentially providing additional employment opportunities.”
The works will involve the excavation of the site and the use of local quarried stone to create a level platform for the construction of the converter station building, which is expected to be completed by July next year.
The contract was awarded by principal contractor BAM Nutall – who along with their consortium partner Hitachi Energy are responsible for the delivery of converter stations at either end of the subsea cable.
Jamie Wallace of SSEN Transmission is the EGL2 Lead Project Manager for the Peterhead converter station site. He said: “This announcement demonstrates how investing in upgrading the electricity grid to transmit green energy and the creation of good quality local jobs go hand in hand.
“David Smith Contractors Ltd has already worked with another of our key contractors, Keltbray, in carrying out enabling works as part of the EGL2 project – constructing a first-class platform for our temporary site welfare and office complex.
“During our public consultations held in advance of the project we made a commitment to engage with the local supply chain while delivering social value in the community.
“This appointment underlines the commitment we share with our partners to maximise local employment and business opportunities, which will continue throughout the construction phase of the project and beyond.”
David Smith, from David Smith Contractors Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, extending our involvement in the EGL2 project and providing more opportunities for local employment.
“Our company prides itself on utilising the local workforce, with 125 current employees and a commitment to using local supply chains.
“We also have a commitment to supporting local communities and institutions such as schools, colleges, charities along with our involvement with local volunteering events.
“Through these connections we hope to continue to highlight the career opportunities available within civil engineering.”
Alan McWilliam, Project Director for BAM Nuttal Ltd, said: “This multimillion-pound contract represents a significant portion of the overall scheme, and underlines BAM’s strong commitment to engaging with local suppliers to ensure there is a benefit to the wider community.
“With the programme running through the winter months, engaging David Smith Contractors Ltd as a local supplier with the knowledge and expertise to work in challenging winter conditions was key in the selection process.
“We are looking forward to working with the team to deliver the works successfully and create more opportunities for local employment now and into the future.”
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Stephen Smith, who represents Boddam, added: “It’s vital that the local economy benefits from the work currently being carried out in the area by energy companies and I’m delighted that David Smith Contractors have been awarded this contract.
“The company has a proud record locally and this contract will mean more of the investment being made in energy infrastructure stays within the North-east economy. I look forward to more such contracts being awarded as this, and other, projects progress.”