en.Wedoany.com Reported - SSEN Transmission has signed long-term framework agreements with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Van Oord Offshore Wind UK Ltd for the engineering, supply, transportation, and installation of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cable systems.

The agreements aim to support the delivery of future strategic subsea electricity transmission reinforcement projects, with the proposed Shetland 2 HVDC link being a key project. This link also serves as the anchor investment for Sumitomo Electric's new cable manufacturing plant at Nigg Port in the Scottish Highlands.

The framework combines Sumitomo Electric's expertise in the manufacturing and supply of HVDC cable systems with Van Oord's capabilities in offshore transportation and installation, forming a long-term partnership to support the delivery of critical energy infrastructure.

As the electricity transmission owner in northern Scotland, SSEN Transmission is leading a major investment program aimed at connecting local low-carbon generation, enhancing energy security, and providing clean, affordable electricity to UK homes and businesses. Subsea HVDC links play an increasingly important role in this program, offering the ability to efficiently and reliably transmit large volumes of renewable energy over long distances.

The framework agreement reflects a strategic approach to supply chain engagement, providing delivery partners with greater long-term visibility and supporting investment in skills, manufacturing capacity, and innovation.

The agreement also strengthens Scotland's position as a center of excellence for subsea transmission infrastructure. Sumitomo Electric's investment in a new cable manufacturing plant at Nigg Port, driven by anticipated demand from future transmission projects, helps establish domestic HVDC cable manufacturing capability in the UK for the first time and creates significant economic opportunities for the Highlands.

Sandy Mactaggart, Offshore Delivery Director at SSEN Transmission, stated that the milestone report "Re-energising the North: Transforming Scotland," published by SSEN Transmission last month, highlights the significant economic opportunity of investing in the grid to build national energy security and achieve clean power ambitions. In northern Scotland, its planned five-year investment will support up to 10,000 high-quality jobs, with 24,000 supported across Scotland. The framework agreements with Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord are a vital part of turning this potential into reality, laying the foundation for long-term collaboration and supporting the delivery of the critical subsea infrastructure needed in northern Scotland in the coming years. By providing greater certainty of future opportunities, the agreement is helping to create the conditions for investment in skills, manufacturing capacity, and innovation, while ensuring access to the specialized expertise needed to deliver major projects safely, efficiently, and responsibly.

Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric, stated that the framework agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two companies. Leveraging over 100 years of subsea cable technical expertise, Sumitomo Electric will contribute to the successful delivery of the Shetland 2 link. Its Scottish plant at Nigg Port, along with its Glasgow operations and EPC project center of excellence, demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to investing in local engineering capabilities, creating high-value skilled jobs, and strengthening a resilient supply chain. Through this framework agreement, the company looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with the SSE Group in the HVDC field, supporting Scotland's and the UK's transition to a secure, resilient, and low-carbon energy system.

Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director of Offshore Energy at Van Oord, stated that signing this agreement is a significant milestone for Van Oord in the offshore HVDC market, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Sumitomo Electric in offshore transmission. It also reflects Van Oord's deep commitment to the UK, where the company has been active for over a century. By combining complementary expertise, the company is well-positioned to support the delivery of critical infrastructure and the efficient transmission of renewable electricity into the UK energy system.

Under the framework agreement, Sumitomo Electric will provide engineering, procurement, and supply services for HVDC cable systems, while Van Oord will be responsible for offshore transportation and installation activities. This arrangement is designed to support a range of future subsea transmission projects, with the proposed Shetland 2 project being among the first likely to proceed.