BAM in joint venture with Hitachi Energy has clinched the deal to build two major converter stations on the planned electricity superhighway project from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in Yorkshire.

The Eastern Green Link 2 project will see the longest HVDC cable in the UK and is the UK’s single largest electricity transmission project ever.

When complete it will provide enough electricity to power 2m UK homes.

BAM will work in collaboration with Hitachi Energy to provide the engineering works and technology for the HVDC converter stations. These form the terminals for the HVDC cable and convert direct current to the alternating current used in the onshore transmission network.

It is understood the project could be worth up to £700m for BAM.

Following final approval from Ofgem, work is expected to commence in 2024 with a targeted operational date of 2029.

The subsea HVDC cable system is 436km in length with new converter stations at either end to connect it into the existing transmission network infrastructure.

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology provides the most efficient and reliable means of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances subsea.

Huw Jones, Executive Director BAM Nuttall, said: “BAM is delighted to work in collaboration with Hitachi Energy on this vital renewable energy project for National Grid and SSEN Transmission.

“The converter stations will enable the transmission of green energy from areas of offshore wind generation to centres of population, supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions and providing better energy security.

“We look forward to engaging with local communities and suppliers in Aberdeenshire and North Yorkshire, supporting BAM’s vision to deliver sustainable infrastructure for our clients, stakeholders and the communities in which we work.”