Multi-million pound contracts awarded for Kintyre-Hunterston subsea link

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission has awarded three major contracts with combined value of almost £148 million for the construction of the Kintyre-Hunterston subsea link.

The link is an important project in SHE Transmission’s £1.5bn programme of projects to upgrade the network in the north of Scotland; supporting economic growth, securing jobs and contributing to the decarbonisation of electricity supplies. SHE Transmission has approval from the industry regulator, Ofgem, to invest £1.1bn between 2013 and 2021.

Following the completion of a competitive tendering process, contract have been awarded to:

• Nexans Norway As – to provide and install a 41km subsea cable and 4.5km land deployed cable;
• Amec Group Ltd – for the construction of 13km of overhead transmission line; and
• Siemens/Bam Nuttall – for the construction of a new electricity substation at Crossaig.

David Gardner, Director of Transmission, said: “On completion, the subsea link will release around 150MW of additional grid capacity from renewable generated sources and will provide a more secure electricity supply to the Kintyre peninsula. Construction on the link is due to begin in October 2013 and the new link is expected to be fully commissioned by the end of 2015.

"It is well known that major infrastructure projects can bring benefits to an area both in terms of local jobs and a boost to the region’s economy. We have impressed upon all of the successful companies the need to maximise the use of local business and services throughout the construction programme and have worked collaboratively on this matter.”

Argyll and Bute Renewables Alliance (ABRA) spokesperson Audrey Martin said: "The upgrade to the electricity network would facilitate a welcomed boost to the local economy, by making Argyll and Bute a more attractive place to develop energy generating projects. It would also secure a more reliable supply for local residents.”