SSEN Transmission has taken a major step forward in the delivery of two major HVDC transmission connection projects in Scotland, after securing agreements with cable supplier NKT.
The agreements will see NKT proceed with the initial works on projects connecting Lewis on the Western Isles to Beauly on the Scottish mainland and Spittal in Caithness to Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.
The schemes form a key part of SSEN Transmission’s £20bn infrastructure development programme.
This will deliver major upgrades to the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland to enable the connection and transportation of renewable energy around Great Britain, SSEN said.
The Western Isles Connection project will see the installation of 81km of subsea cable and a further 80km of underground wire between the HVDC site on Lewis and the corresponding facility at Fanellan on the mainland.
The Spittal to Peterhead connection comprises a 150km subsea line.
Both projects will also require land cable sections and new associated HVDC convertor stations.
Director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission Sandy Mactaggart said: “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.
“Recognising 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.
“We are particularly pleased to be working with NKT on the delivery of the crucial Western Isles Connection Project.
“Having been involved in efforts to connect the Western Isles for several years, NKT have demonstrated a real understanding of the project’s importance in enabling the development of renewable energy in and around the Western Isles and the associated benefits this will deliver for the local community, and it will be great to work together to help realise that opportunity.”
Executive vice president & head of HV Solutions Karlskrona at NKT Darren Fennell added: “We are very satisfied taking the next steps for 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 decarbonisation of the power system in Great Britain.
“The agreement 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.”