SSEN Transmission has selected Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord as the preferred bidders for the construction of the Shetland 2 525kV high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable. The project is a significant component of the broader GB-wide strategic transmission network plan titled “Beyond 2030.” As part of this initiative, SSEN anticipates investing approximately £5 billion in northern Scotland by 2035. The Shetland 2 project aims to connect Shetland to the mainland over a distance of 330 kilometers, facilitating the transfer of 2GW of renewable electricity to the GB network. Sumitomo Electric recently commenced the construction of a new subsea cable factory in the Scottish Highlands, which will produce essential elements for the UK’s electricity transmission grid and its connection to renewable energy sources. The factory is scheduled to be operational by 2026.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Port of Nigg, with Osamu Inoue, President and COO of Sumitomo Electric Group, hosting the event. Distinguished attendees included Maairi McAllan, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, alongside other UK and Scottish government officials. Rob McDonald, Managing Director of SSEN Transmission, expressed satisfaction with the progression to Preferred Bidder Status with Sumitomo Electric Industries and its partner, Van Oord Offshore Wind UK. He highlighted the strategic importance of the new facility in Nigg, emphasizing its role in bolstering the UK’s energy security and supporting infrastructure for net zero goals.
Arnoud Kuis, Managing Director of Van Oord Offshore Wind, also commented on the collaboration, noting the combined expertise of the Sumitomo and Van Oord partnership in advancing the Shetland 2 project. The new factory represents a significant investment, announced by the Scottish Government to be £350 million, expected to create over 150 skilled jobs in the region. This development is part of an effort to enhance local supply chains and support the UK and Scottish governments’ net zero initiatives.
Inoue remarked on the importance of the facility in facilitating the transition to renewable energy, describing it as crucial infrastructure. McAllan emphasized Scotland’s growing role as a renewable energy leader, citing the ceremony as a testament to the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving economic growth and environmental protection. The Scottish Government’s commitment includes up to £500 million to support the offshore wind supply chain, aiming to generate significant economic benefits and job creation within the sector.
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