‘Key milestone’ keeps Scottish subsea links on track for energization in 2030

SSEN Transmission and Hitachi Energy have signed initial work contracts for pre-construction work related to two Scottish subsea links, ensuring the projects remain on track for commissioning in 2030.

The companies secured another key milestone in their partnership to provide a high voltage direct current (HVDC) converter system for the Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead subsea links with this award.

SSEN Transmission selected Hitachi Energy as the preferred bidder to provide four HVDC converter stations in 2023, before entering into a capacity reservation agreement for the production and installation. This was followed by a framework agreement signed this March.

The contracts include initial design, engineering studies, and activity to secure the wider supply chain before the construction phase of the project begins.

The Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead HVDC links are part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 program, a £20 billion investment that will deliver a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network to enable the connection and transportation of renewable energy around Great Britain.

Each of these connection systems has a capacity of up to 2 GW and a voltage level of 525 kV. NKT is the preferred bidder for the supply of power cable systems for the two transmission links.

“We are delighted to reach this latest milestone with our supply chain partners Hitachi Energy, with the award of contracts for initial works ensuring our Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead HVDC links remain firmly on track,” said Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery for SSEN Transmission.

“The progress we have made is testament to our strong working relationship with Hitachi Energy, which stands us in good stead as we deliver these important projects harnessing Scotland’s renewable potential and delivering clean energy to people’s homes.”

The news comes after the completion of the Caithness-Moray HVDC subsea link, on time and on budget, and progress on the Shetland HVDC connection which remains on track for energization later this summer.