OVER £9 million worth of contracts have been awarded to businesses local to the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project in Peterhead, SSEN Transmission has announced.
Representing the UK’s largest ever electricity transmission project, the £4.3 billion 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.
Local supplier contracts have been awarded across a range of services – from accommodation and catering to materials and specialist subcontracting. The awards reflect the project’s focus on maximising regional benefits and creating lasting economic opportunities alongside the delivery of a critical national infrastructure project.
Some of the most notable local contract awards include subcontracting services – nearly £8.5 million; small tools and plant hire – over £200,000; accommodation – over £180,000; supply of materials – over £150,000; and catering and food services – over £60,000.
Fionán Doonan, EGL2 project director, said, “EGL2 is not just a vital part of our energy infrastructure; it’s an opportunity to invest in local jobs, skills, and businesses.
“As we deliver the infrastructure required to unlock a cheaper, cleaner and more secure electricity system for homes and businesses across the country, we are committed to doing so in a way that supports local people and local businesses, leaving a positive and lasting legacy.
“We’re extremely proud to be working with high-quality suppliers from across the region in the delivery of this project and look forward to continuing that collaboration as work progresses.”
One example of local business working constructively in collaboration with the EGL2 project comes in the form of the multi-million pound contract awarded to Fraserburgh-based David Smith Contractors Ltd for civil engineering works at the Peterhead site. The contract has created nine additional full-time roles, further demonstrating EGL2’s positive impact on local employment.
David Smith, of David Smith Contractors Ltd, said, “We are proud to play a key role in delivering this important phase of the EGL2 project which is allowing us to showcase our expertise and commitment to quality, while supporting local employment and the regional economy.
“Thanks to the great working relationship we’ve developed with BAM and SSEN Transmission over the course of the project to date, we have since been awarded the permanent drainage package which is also a significant value and will see us working at the site until 2026. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SSEN Transmission and contributing to Scotland’s energy infrastructure.”
Another local business benefitting from the EGL2 project is Entier, who have been providing catering services to the workers at the project’s Peterhead site.
Peter Bruce, CEO of Entier Ltd, added, “We’re excited to be providing catering services that fuel the hardworking teams on the EGL2 site. We take great pride in supporting the communities where we live and work, and this contract not only supports our business growth but also strengthens our ties with the local community. We’re proud to be contributing to such an important project for Scotland and the UK too.”
Councillor Stephen Smith, of Aberdeenshire Council, commented, “This £9million spending boost to the local economy is extremely welcome and I’m delighted that local suppliers and businesses are benefitting from the construction of this infrastructure, which is also creating new jobs.”
