Investor News
15 July 2024

NKT confirmed partner for two Scottish power cable projects with SSEN Transmission

On 28 August 2023, NKT confirmed reservation of production and offshore installation capacity for Scottish transmission system operator (TSO) SSEN Transmission, for power cable systems for two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission links running from the Western Isles to the Scottish mainland, and from Spittal in Caithness to Peterhead.

Now, NKT has signed a framework agreement with SSEN Transmission, and the parties have agreed to proceed with initial work for the two Scottish HVDC interconnectors issued under the framework agreement. With these steps, NKT and SSEN Transmission continue the close collaboration with the aim to strengthen the cable infrastructure supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy.

- We are very satisfied with the progression of the projects and continuing the long-term collaboration with SSEN Transmission to strengthen the interconnection of the Scottish power grid. With our extensive experience in large turnkey HVDC projects, we remain committed to supporting the decarbonization of the power system in Great Britain. The limited notice to proceed with the projects is a statement of the exceptional collaboration with SSEN Transmission on interconnector projects like the Caithness-Moray HVDC Link and the ongoing Shetland HVDC Link, says Darren Fennell, EVP & Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona in NKT.

The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead offshore HVDC transmission links are part of The Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (HND) which is a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Great Britain. SSEN Transmission play a central role in executing on the HND, supporting the journey to meet UK and Scottish Governments 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets. The HND sets out a single, integrated grid design that supports the large-scale delivery of electricity generated from offshore wind.

- We are delighted to have secured agreements with our supply chain partner NKT to help deliver the cables needed for the Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead HVDC connections, an important step supporting the timely delivery of these projects. Recognizing the unprecedented global demand for HVDC technology, we have acted with pace to secure these key components at the earliest opportunity - and we’re now looking forward to building on our long-established and strong working relationship with NKT, says Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission.