Sumitomo Electric Expands to Support the U.K.’s Offshore Wind Growth
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) will build a new power cable factory in Scotland. The £200 million investment aims to meet rising renewable energy demand and support the country’s offshore wind projects. As a result, the facility will create about 150 skilled green jobs and strengthen the U.K.’s energy sector.
This investment reflects Sumitomo Electric’s 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 — including in the U.K., Germany, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. The company also developed cables for Japan’s 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 with Scotland’s Net Zero 2045 and the U.K.’s Net Zero 2050 goals, both of which depend heavily on offshore wind power.
Proven Expertise in High‑Voltage Power Systems
Sumitomo Electric’s high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) cross‑linked polyethylene‑insulated (XLPE) submarine cable system stands among the industry’s top innovations. It powered the U.K.‑Belgium NEMO Link interconnector, which remains the world’s highest‑voltage cable currently in commercial use.
Furthermore, the company’s continued technical success has led to major international contracts. These include the Greenlink Interconnector connecting the U.K. and Ireland, as well as Germany’s Corridor A‑Nord project. Together, these efforts show the company’s 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 Minister Rishi Sunak met with Sumitomo Electric Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Matsumoto and President & COO Osamu Inoue. During the meeting, Inoue expressed appreciation for the U.K. government’s strong support and collaboration.
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray, welcomed the project. He said it highlights investor confidence in Scotland’s net‑zero vision and will play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s fast‑growing offshore wind sector.
