Scottish transmission system operator (TSO) 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 subsea network delivery.
Sumitomo Electric will provide engineering, procurement and supply services for HVDC cable systems, and Van Oord will be responsible for offshore transport and installation activities.
The framework agreement is designed to support future subsea transmission opportunities across SSEN Transmission’s investment program, with the proposed Shetland 2 project being one of the first potential projects to be progressed.
Shetland 2 will connect 330 kilometers between Shetland and the mainland to bring 2 GW of renewable electricity to Great Britain’s network, which forms part of the latest strategic transmission network plan “Beyond 2030” where a total £5 billion investment by SSEN Transmission is expected in the north of Scotland by 2035.
“Our Scotland factory at the Port of Nigg, together with our Business and EPC projects Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, demonstrates our long-term commitment to investing in local engineering capability, creating high-value skilled jobs, and strengthening resilient supply chains across Scotland and the UK,” said Masaki Shirayama , Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric.
“Through this Framework Agreement, we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with SSE Group in the HVDC sector and supporting Scotland’s and the UK’s transition to a secure, resilient and low-carbon energy system.”