Japanese electric wire and cable manufacturer, Sumitomo Electric Industries, has announced plans to construct a power cable factory in the Scottish Highlands, UK.
The factory will meet the growing demand for high-end wires in the region and is expected to benefit from the rise in renewable energy and interconnectors projects, which are driving the demand for power cables in the UK. As one of the largest markets for power cables in the world, the UK is planning a number of offshore wind power projects.
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Sumitomo Electric has a solid track record in submarine cable production with a 100-year history of experience. In 2019, the company delivered its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cross-linked polyethylene-insulated (XLPE) submarine cable system for the UK-Belgium interconnector (NEMO Link) and successfully completed the installation.
The 400kV HVDC XLPE wire is the industry's highest voltage in commercial operation even today, according to Sumitomo Electric. This has led the company to win multiple contracts in the global market, including a project connecting the UK and Ireland (Greenlink Interconnector) and a project in Germany (Corridor A-Nord).
“We are delighted to work with Cabinet Secretary to build a state-of-the-art submarine cable factory in Scotland,” said Osamu Inoue, President and COO of Sumitomo Electric. “Sumitomo Electric has the technologies necessary for the development of a green society and will work with the Scottish and UK governments and other stakeholders on future offshore wind power and interconnector projects in the region.”
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Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray, expressed his delight in the partnership, saying, “This significant announcement demonstrates the strength of confidence investors have in our vision for a net zero economy. The Scottish government, Scottish Development International, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will continue to work closely with Sumitomo Electric to foster this important partnership and unlock the opportunities the global renewables revolution presents.”
