Aquora has launched as a Scotland-based cable installation and manufacturing business aimed at addressing high-voltage cable shortages in the UK and Europe.
The company, formerly known as XLCC, said it is entering the market as 8.4GW of offshore wind has been sanctioned through the UK’s AR7 auction.
Aquora will initially focus on cable installation using a new cable-lay vessel, with cable supplied by Orient Cables, according to the company.
It said cable manufacturing capacity in Scotland will follow once the business is established with client relationships.
Ragnhild Katteland, chief executive officer designate, said the lack of infrastructure is constraining the UK’s transition to low-carbon power.
“Securing the UK’s transition to homegrown, low-carbon power is constrained not by generation, but by lack of infrastructure,” said Katteland.
“Developers need cable installation capacity now – not in a decade’s time,” she added.
“Aquora will meet that market demand, and by delivering at pace create a financeable path to cable manufacturing in Scotland,” Katteland stated.
Lewis Gillies, executive chairman designate, said the company will strengthen UK energy security.
“Aquora will protect our energy security and develop industrial capability in the UK,” said Gillies.
“We will unlock a critical constraint, building strategic autonomy in a nationally significant part of the energy supply chain,” he added.