On August 28, 2023, NKT confirmed it had reserved production and offshore installation capacity for Scottish transmission system operator (TSO) SSEN Transmission.
This reservation is for power cable systems for two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission links: one extending from the Western Isles to the Scottish mainland, and another connecting Spittal in Caithness to Peterhead.
Framework Agreement and Project Commencement
Now, NKT and SSEN Transmission have finalized a framework agreement and agreed to initiate work on the two Scottish HVDC interconnectors outlined within the agreement.
These actions underscore NKT’s and SSEN Transmission’s ongoing close collaboration, with the shared goal of bolstering the cable infrastructure essential to the region’s transition towards renewable energy.
Reinforcing the Scottish Power Grid
“We are extremely pleased with the progress of these projects and the continuation of our long-standing partnership with SSEN Transmission to fortify the interconnection of the Scottish power grid,” said Darren Fennell, EVP & Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT.
“With our vast experience in large-scale turnkey HVDC projects, we remain dedicated to supporting the decarbonization of the power system in Great Britain.
The rapid approval to proceed with these projects is a testament to the exceptional collaboration with SSEN Transmission on interconnector projects, such as the Caithness-Moray HVDC Link and the ongoing Shetland HVDC Link.”
Integral to Britain’s Energy Transition
The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead offshore HVDC transmission links are integral components of The Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (HND), a major upgrade to the electricity transmission network across Great Britain.
SSEN Transmission plays a pivotal role in implementing the HND, supporting the journey to achieve the UK and Scottish Governments’ 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets.
The HND establishes a unified, integrated grid design that facilitates the large-scale delivery of electricity generated from offshore wind.
Securing Key Components for Timely Delivery
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, emphasized, “We are delighted to have secured agreements with our supply chain partner NKT to provide the necessary cables for the Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead HVDC connections, a crucial step ensuring the timely delivery of these projects.
Recognizing the unprecedented global demand for HVDC technology, we have acted swiftly to secure these key components at the earliest opportunity – and we now look forward to building on our long-standing and robust working relationship with NKT.”
Collaboration to Power the Western Isles
Mactaggart also highlighted the significance of the Western Isles Connection Project: “We are particularly pleased to be working with NKT on the delivery of this critical project.
Having been involved in efforts to connect the Western Isles for several years, NKT has demonstrated a genuine understanding of the project’s importance in enabling the development of renewable energy in and around the Western Isles and the resulting benefits this will bring to the local community. It will be a privilege to collaborate and help realize this opportunity.”
Anticipated Final Contracts
NKT and SSEN Transmission anticipate that the final construction contracts for the two projects will be signed in the first half of 2026.