SSEN Transmission and Hitachi Energy mark progress on Western Isles and Spittal-Peterhead HVDC links

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  • Initial work contracts ensure subsea link projects remain on track for 2030 energisation

SSEN Transmission and Hitachi Energy have 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 the award of initial work contracts for pre-construction works that ensure these projects remain on track for energisation in 2030.

Teams from SSEN Transmission and Hitachi Energy gathered at SSE’s headquarters in Perth earlier today, to mark progress and discuss the next stages in the projects that are a key part of plans to unlock Scotland’s renewable energy potential in support of national net zero and energy security ambitions.

In 2023, SSEN Transmission selected Hitachi Energy as a preferred bidder to provide the HVDC Converter Stations, before entering into a Capacity Reservation Agreement for the production and installation of the four converter stations required for the projects. This was followed by a Framework Agreement signed in March this year.

Now, having awarded the contracts for initial works, the projects remain on track for energisation in 2030. 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 programme, a £20bn investment that will deliver a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network to enable the connection and transportation of renewable energy around Great Britain.

The latest milestone in the projects builds on the company’s strong relationship with Hitachi Energy following the successful completion of the Caithness-Moray HVDC subsea link, on time and in budget, and progress on the Shetland HVDC connection which remains on track for energisation later this summer.

Sandy Mactaggart, Director of Offshore Delivery for SSEN Transmission, said: “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.“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.

“I look forward to building on all we have achieved together so far, as we aim to meet our targeted energisation date in 2030.”

Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said:

“We are excited to build on our long-standing and fruitful collaboration with SSEN Transmission to continue successfully delivering projects in Scotland to accelerate the energy transition at the pace that is needed. Electrification of the energy system is vital to achieving net zero, and our state-of-the-art HVDC technology will play a key role to stabilize and reinforce the transmission network, removing constraints and creating skilled job opportunities.”