United Kingdom, Scotland, Port of Nigg: Sumitomo Electric and its project partner Van Oord Offshore Wind UK have signed an HVDC Framework Agreement with SSEN Transmission for the proposed 525k V Shetland 2 HVDC link.
The agreement allows the consortium to move ahead with initial design and engineering work for the subsea cable connection between Shetland and the Scottish mainland. It also establishes a longer-term partnership covering the engineering, supply and installation of HVDC cable projects, including Shetland 2.
According to Sumitomo Electric, the proposed link will help reinforce the transmission network in northern Scotland, support greater integration of renewable energy and contribute to clean power and energy security goals in Scotland and the wider UK.
The parties expect to enter into a call-off contract in 2026 for the manufacture of the 525k V cables, subject to regulatory approvals. Cable production is expected to begin in Q2 2027 at Sumitomo Electric’s submarine cable manufacturing facility at the Port of Nigg.
The Scottish factory represents an investment of more than $470 M (£350 M) and is expected to create over 650 direct and indirect jobs once operational. A further 670 jobs are expected to be supported through project execution, installation and related activities.
Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The framework agreement with Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord is a significant part of turning this great potential into reality. It provides a strong foundation for long-term collaboration and supports our ambitions to deliver the critical subsea infrastructure needed across the north of Scotland in the years ahead.”
Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric, said: “Building on more than 100 years of expertise in subsea cable technology, we are proud to contribute to the successful delivery of the Shetland 2 link.”
“By combining our complementary expertise, we are well positioned to support the delivery of this critical infrastructure and the efficient transmission of renewable electricity into the wider UK energy system, “added Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord.
Source: Sumitomo Electric
