Danish power cable maker NKT said it has signed final contracts with SSEN Transmission for two 525-kilovolt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable systems in Scotland, advancing major grid reinforcement projects aimed at supporting the UK’s energy transition.
The agreements, signed under an existing framework, cover the Western Isles and Spittal to Peterhead transmission links. NKT said the projects will strengthen the electricity grid in Great Britain by enabling the integration of large volumes of renewable power.
The turnkey scope of the contracts includes the design, production and installation of both onshore and offshore cable systems. NKT said the two projects have now been added to its high-voltage order backlog with a combined value of around 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion), reflecting higher raw material costs and confirmation of the full installation scope.
“We are excited to have signed the final contracts for the two Scottish transmission links with SSEN Transmission,” said Claes Westerlind, president and chief executive of NKT. “This milestone reinforces our strong position in the UK market and reflects our commitment to strengthen the cable infrastructure supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy.”
SSEN Transmission said the awards represent a significant step in expanding Scotland’s grid capacity. “Awarding these contracts is a major step in delivering the subsea links needed to unlock Scotland’s clean energy potential,” said Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission, adding that it was the largest contract award in the company’s history.
The Western Isles link will feature a combined onshore and offshore route of about 170 kilometres, operating at 525 kV with a capacity of 1.8 gigawatts. The Spittal to Peterhead project will span roughly 210 kilometres and have a capacity of 2 GW. Both links are scheduled to be commissioned in 2030.
The projects form part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 investment programme, which is designed to upgrade network infrastructure and support the UK’s expanding renewable energy capacity.
