SSEN Distribution has unveiled a £950m framework to upgrade subsea electricity links serving Scotland’s island communities, targeting stronger network resilience and expanded capacity.
The company said the five-year programme — with an optional three-year extension — will renew and expand the subsea network. It is expected to support more than 450 specialised jobs annually and sustain well over 3,500 fixed-term roles across delivery partners and SSEN’s own subsea team.
The investment is intended to enable connections for electric vehicle chargers, rooftop solar and heat pumps, while helping island industries decarbonise.
Work under the framework will be delivered by Briggs Marine, DOF Subsea UK, N-Sea, Enshore Subsea and Jan De Nul, with projects allocated according to each contractor’s expertise.
SSEN Distribution said the multi-partner model will allow more subsea cables to be installed during short summer weather windows and improve rapid response capability for urgent repairs. Further upgrades are expected to reduce reliance on island backup generation and provide more secure electricity supplies.
Gillian Martin, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for energy, said the investment would strengthen the islands’ network while supporting the country’s net-zero ambitions and creating high-quality green jobs.
Kevin Galbraith, subsea project director at SSEN Distribution, said subsea connections are becoming increasingly important as island communities invest in electrification and industrial decarbonisation, adding that the agreements would ensure the programme is delivered “in a seamless, co-ordinated way”.
Framework partners also welcomed the awards, highlighting the programme’s role in enabling coordinated delivery and long-term supply chain certainty.
