DAVID Smith Contractors has secured a multi-million-pound contract to aid the delivery a new HVDC converter station required as part of the £4.3 billion Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project.
Representing the UK’s largest ever electricity transmission project, EGL2 is being delivered as a joint venture by National Grid and SSEN Transmission and will see the creation of a 436km subsea connection between Peterhead and Drax on the east coast of England.
The Fraserburgh firm, which also has a plant hire offering, will carry out civil engineering works at the site near Boddam as part of the delivery of the converter station that will help connect the subsea HVDC cable system to existing transmission network infrastructure.
The firm 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, SSEN Transmission said.
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, which runs from Peterhead to Drax in Yorkshire and will provide enough electricity to power two million homes
Jamie Wallace, of SSEN Transmission, is 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, of David Smith Contractors Ltd, added, “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.”
