Sumitomo Electric Expands to Support the U.K.โs Offshore Wind Growth
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI)ย will build a new power cable factory in Scotland. The ยฃ200 million investment aims to meet rising renewable energy demand and support the countryโs offshore wind projects. As a result, the facility will create about 150 skilled green jobs and strengthen the U.K.โs energy sector.
This investment reflects Sumitomo Electricโs ongoing commitment to decarbonization and advanced cable technology, helping drive a more sustainable global energy future.
Meeting Strong Global Demand for Renewable Power Cables
Sumitomo Electric has delivered reliable power cables for offshore wind projects worldwide โ including in the U.K., Germany, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. The company also developed cables for Japanโs first commercial offshore wind farms in Akita and Noshiro. These achievements highlight its leadership in renewable energy infrastructure.
In Europe, demand for renewable energy transmission continues to rise. The U.K., in particular, is quickly becoming one of the biggest markets for power cables. This growth aligns withย Scotlandโs Net Zero 2045ย and theย U.K.โs Net Zero 2050ย goals, both of which depend heavily on offshore wind power.
Proven Expertise in HighโVoltage Power Systems
Sumitomo Electricโsย highโvoltage direct current (HVDC) crossโlinked polyethyleneโinsulated (XLPE)ย submarine cable system stands among the industryโs top innovations. It powered theย U.K.โBelgium NEMO Link interconnector, which remains the worldโs highestโvoltage cable currently in commercial use.
Furthermore, the companyโs continued technical success has led to major international contracts. These include theย Greenlink Interconnectorย connecting the U.K. and Ireland, as well as Germanyโsย Corridor AโNordย project. Together, these efforts show the companyโs ability to deliver reliable infrastructure on a global scale.
Strengthening Ties Between Japan and the United Kingdom
On May 18 in Tokyo, U.K. Prime Ministerย Rishi Sunakย met with Sumitomo Electric Chairman and CEOย Masayoshi Matsumotoย and President & COOย Osamu Inoue. During the meeting, Inoue expressed appreciation for the U.K. governmentโs strong support and collaboration.
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy,ย Neil Gray, welcomed the project. He said it highlights investor confidence in Scotlandโs netโzero vision and will play a crucial role in advancing the nationโs fastโgrowing offshore wind sector.
