The Eastern Green Link 4 project takes a major leap forward as €3.5 billion worth of contracts are awarded for the Scotland‑England subsea interconnector. Iberdrola’s UK arm, SP Energy Networks, confirmed the deal, covering subsea cable installation and High Voltage Direct Current Current (HVDC) converter station works. Valued at roughly €3.5 billion, the project will transmit 2 GW of renewable energy, connecting Scotland’s renewable generation to England’s high-demand centers. By strengthening the national grid, Eastern Green Link 4 supports energy security, decarburization, and efficient clean energy transport. Furthermore, this investment stimulates local industry and creates skilled jobs.

The subsea interconnector will cover approximately 640 km, mostly under the North Sea, linking Fife in Scotland to Norfolk in England. Additionally, it converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) at specialized stations, ensuring efficient long-distance transmission. When operational, Eastern Green Link 4 will supply electricity to around 1.5 million homes, helping meet UK renewable targets. Construction is scheduled to start in 2028, and full commissioning is expected by 2033. Meanwhile, preparatory surveys and environmental assessments are underway

Eastern Green Link 4: Key Contracts Drive Progress

The project now has major contracts awarded, outlining the core scope and the supply chain partners driving the program.

Siemens Energy secured the contract to design and build HVDC converter stations at Fife and Norfolk. These stations will switch electricity between AC and DC to minimize transmission losses and optimize subsea transfer. In addition, the 525 kV HVDC architecture depends on these stations for efficient operation.

Alongside this, Prysmian will manufacture and supply the subsea and underground cables, spanning 640 km.  Roughly 530 km will be on the seabed, while 116 km will run underground. These cables form the physical backbone of Eastern Green Link 4 and are critical to its technical success. As a result, the subsea link will enable stable and efficient electricity transmission

Together, these contracts unlock a multi-billion-dollar UK supply chain boost while advancing renewable integration and reducing grid constraints. Furthermore, each award demonstrates a shared commitment to nationally significant infrastructure.

Transforming Energy Security with Eastern Green Link 4

Once operational, it will enable more efficient renewable energy transmission between Scotland and England. Its 2 GW capacity supports decarbonization, improves electricity security, and lowers network constraint costs. Moreover, the project strengthens the grid, helping integrate more renewable sources and ensuring flexibility for energy generation.

In addition, the project fosters economic growth by creating skilled jobs and sustaining industrial activity in the UK supply chain. With innovative technology and long-term infrastructure investment, Eastern Green Link 4 contributes to a net-zero aligned energy system. Subsequently, it will serve as a benchmark for future subsea interconnectors in Europe.

This project now stands as a transformative infrastructure project, combining technical innovation with economic and environmental benefits for the UK’s energy landscape. However, UK is continuing to expand its grid through sub-sea interconnectors such as Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2). Like Eastern Green Link 4, EGL2 strengthened electricity transmission between Scotland and England, supporting renewable energy integration. This earlier project highlights the UK’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its high-voltage interconnectors.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) subsea interconnector

Location: Fife, Scotland to Norfolk, England (~640 km)

Developer: SP Energy Networks (Iberdrola)

Joint Developer: National Grid Electricity Transmission

Technology: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), 525 kV

Capacity: 2 GW (2,000 MW)

Estimated Cost: €3.5 billion (~$3.8 billion)

Main Works: Subsea & underground HVDC cables, HVDC converter stations

Construction Start: 2028 (planned)

Commissioning: 2033

Transmission Reach: Powers ~1.5 million homes

Cable Length: ~640 km (subsea 530 km, underground 116 km)

Project Team

Owner/Developer: SP Energy Networks (Iberdrola)

Joint Developer: National Grid Electricity Transmission

Lead Converter Stations Contractor: Siemens Energy

Subsea & Underground Cable Supplier: Prysmian

Engineering Consultants: To be confirmed

Regulator: Ofgem

Local Stakeholders: UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Scottish Government