SSEN Transmission has signed a long-term framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric Industries and Van Oord Offshore Wind UK for the engineering, supply, transport and installation of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable systems to support future expansion of the electricity transmission network in northern Scotland.
The agreement is intended to support a series of strategic subsea transmission projects, including the proposed Shetland 2 HVDC link. The project also underpins Sumitomo Electric’s investment in a new HVDC cable manufacturing facility at Nigg in the Scottish Highlands.
Under the framework, Sumitomo Electric will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and supply of HVDC cable systems, while Van Oord will carry out offshore transport and installation work.
The agreement is designed to support SSEN Transmission’s long-term investment programme to expand the electricity grid and connect new renewable energy generation across northern Scotland. Subsea HVDC links are expected to play a key role in transmitting large volumes of electricity over long distances.
The framework is also intended to provide greater visibility for suppliers, supporting investment in manufacturing capacity, workforce skills and technology development. Sumitomo Electric’s Nigg facility is expected to establish the UK’s first domestic HVDC cable manufacturing capability and support economic activity in the Highlands.
The proposed Shetland 2 HVDC interconnector is expected to be among the first projects delivered under the new framework agreement.
