Sumitomo Electric and Van Oord Lead Shetland 2 Agreement
Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI) and Van Oord Offshore Wind UK—working together as the Sumitomo Electric Van Oord Consortium (SVOC)—secured preferred bidder status for the Shetland 2 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea link. The project supports SSEN Transmission in expanding the electricity grid across northern Scotland.
Strengthening Scotland’s Energy Network
National Grid ESO confirmed that the Shetland 2 HVDC project forms a key part of its “Beyond 2030” plan. The new subsea link will connect Shetland with the main U.K. electricity grid, strengthening reliability and advancing renewable power generation.
The project will also connect three ScotWind offshore wind farms near Shetland. These connections will help reduce emissions, increase energy security, and push Scotland closer to its decarbonization goals.
Driving Offshore Wind Energy Growth
Located between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, the Shetland Islands are becoming a key hub for offshore wind. The new HVDC link will enhance grid capacity and support the delivery of renewable energy from the sea to the mainland.
Sumitomo Electric continues expanding its cable production capabilities through its new high-voltage cable plant in Nigg, Scotland. The facility is under construction and will create around 170 jobs once completed.
Scottish Government Invests in Clean Energy Infrastructure
Màiri McAllan, Scotland’s Energy Secretary, announced that the Scottish Government will invest up to £500 million to boost the offshore wind supply chain. She said the Shetland 2 project demonstrates confidence in the country’s renewable energy potential and will help create new opportunities for workers and businesses.
Rob McDonald, Managing Director at SSEN Transmission, stated that he expects to finalize the contract with the consortium soon. Meanwhile, Ofgem continues developing the regulatory framework for Shetland 2 and other Beyond 2030 projects, with a final decision expected later this year.
For more information, visit Sumitomo Electric Industries or SSEN Transmission.