The groundbreaking event, held last month at Nicol of Skene’s offices in Aberdeen, brought together key delivery partners NKT, Nicol of Skene, and John Gunn & Sons, who will play vital roles in delivering this major infrastructure project.
The 203 km, 2 GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable will connect the recently consented Banniskirk Hub in Caithness to the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire, with 166 km running subsea from Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness through the Moray Firth to Rattray Head near Peterhead.
All consenting decisions have been received for the Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable, which, once complete, will provide a secure and efficient route for renewable energy to flow from Scotland’s north to demand centers across the country, supporting the UK’s 2030 clean power ambitions.
This milestone follows November’s announcement that the project secured its marine license from the Scottish Government Marine Directorate, unlocking significant opportunities for local businesses and supply chains across the north of Scotland.
Local Businesses at the Heart of Delivery
Contracts have been awarded to John Gunn & Sons, based in Caithness, and Nicol of Skene, based in Aberdeen, to construct the onshore cable sections at Spittal and Peterhead respectively. Global cable manufacturer NKT has signed a framework agreement with SSEN Transmission, and the two parties have agreed to proceed with initial work for the HVDC link issued under the framework agreement.
Construction has begun on access roads and bell-mouth junctions near the land cable route in Peterhead, with similar work at the land cable section in Caithness expected to take place later this month.
In November SSEN Transmission also became the first business to sign the Highland Council’s Highland Social Value Charter (HSVC), underlining its commitment to ensuring local communities benefit from major infrastructure projects through employment, skills development, and wider socio-economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The recent groundbreaking marks the start of a project that will play a vital role in delivering a secure, clean energy future for Scotland and the UK. This project is part of the wider upgrade of the transmission grid in the Highlands and the Northeast, which will be a cornerstone of future economic growth for decades to come.
“In November, we were delighted to become the first business to sign the new Highland Council Social Value Charter, which underpins our commitment to ensuring the areas we work in receive long-term socio-economic benefits as a result of our projects—and the Spittal-Peterhead subsea cable link is a key example of that.
“We’re proud to work alongside NKT, Nicol of Skene, and John Gunn & Sons to ensure this investment brings lasting benefits to local communities, creating jobs and supporting supply chains in Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
“This is just the beginning. Over the coming years, the Spittal to Peterhead link will enable the integration of more renewable energy and strengthening security of supply for generations to come. By investing in this critical infrastructure today, we’re laying the foundations for a future where Scotland leads the way in clean energy, delivering economic growth, climate action, and secure power for generations.”
Main construction works are expected to begin following final design and procurement work, with completion targeted to align with the UK’s 2030 clean power ambitions.
For more information on the project, visit:
www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/spittal-peterhead
