NKT has since signed a framework agreement with SSEN Transmission, and the parties have agreed to proceed with initial work for the two Scottish HVDC interconnectors issued under the frame agreement. With these steps, NKT and SSEN Transmission continue the close collaboration with the aim to strengthen the cable infrastructure supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy.
“We are very satisfied with the progression of 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 decarbonization of the power system in Great Britain. The limited notice to proceed with the projects 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,” says Darren Fennell, EVP & Head of HV Solutions Karlskrona in NKT.
The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead offshore HVDC transmission links are part of The Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design (HND) which is a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across Great Britain. SSEN Transmission play a central role in executing on the HND, supporting the journey to meet UK and Scottish Governments 2030 renewable energy and climate change targets. The HND sets out a single, integrated grid design that supports the large-scale delivery of electricity generated from offshore wind.
“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. Recognizing 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,” adds Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery at SSEN Transmission.
“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 realize that opportunity,” continues Sandy Mactaggart.
NKT and SSEN Transmission expect the final construction contracts for the two projects to be called off 1H 2026.
Key facts:
Western Isles
- Cable route: approximately 160 km of 525 kV HVDC combined on- and offshore route length
- Transmission link capacity: 1.8 GW
- Schedule: the final construction contract is expected to be called off 1H 2026
Spittal-Peterhead
- Cable route: approximately 220 km of 525 kV HVDC combined on- and offshore route length
- Transmission link capacity: 2.0 GW
- Schedule: the final construction contract is expected to be called off 1H 2026
