A Greek-American joint venture has clinched the deal to build two major converter stations for the £2.5bn Eastern Green Link 1 subsea transmission cable project from Scotland to Durham.

US giant GE Vernova is partnering with the Greek engineer Mytilineos to deliver the engineering works and technology for the giant HVDC convertor stations needed to switch direct current to the alternating current used in the onshore transmission network.

The 190km, 2GW power link from Torness in East Lothian to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham is one of two being built to hook up millions of homes across Scotland and England with renewable energy.

Following final approval of regulatory allowances from regulator Ofgem, full contracts are expected to be complete later this year with construction work due to begin in 2024.

The National Grid and Scottish Power Energy Networks project is targeted to be operational in 2029.

The firm’s aim to use UK based manufacturing, engineering, and construction industries.

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business alone will be providing HVDC valves and controls systems, as well as HVDC transformers from their facilities in Staffordshire, UK, supporting the commitment to recruit and invest in the employees needed to deliver growth in this industry.

Philippe Piron, CEO at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business, said: “As the consortium leader, we are delighted to be chosen as a preferred supplier together with our partner Mytilineos in the development of a new subsea electricity superhighway, the Eastern Green Link 1 project”

“This is recognition of our advanced HVDC technology and expertise in delivering an innovative solution, and Mytilineos’ expertise in the management and construction of projects of such magnitude and complexity in order to support National Grid’s net-zero energy targets.”

Last month a BAM/Hitachi JV won the contract for two convert stations for the larger Eastern Green Link 2 project from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in England.

Work will also start next year on the converter stations. The five-year-long mega project will also complete in 2029.

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

Prysmian Group has been selected as the exclusive preferred bidder for both EGL1 and EGL2 cabling contracts.