NKT Shetland HVDC Link project
NKT has secured a €235 million contract from SSEN Transmission to deliver and install a high‑voltage DC (HVDC) interconnector for the Shetland HVDC Link project. You can learn more about NKT at https://www.nkt.com and about SSEN Transmission at https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk.
The turnkey order covers 2 × 260 km of 320 kV HVDC onshore and offshore power cables. NKT will manufacture the cables at its Karlskrona facility in Sweden, and it plans to start production in 2021. Then, the company expects to complete installation and commissioning by 2024, using the cable‑laying vessel NKT Victoria.
Strengthening Scotland’s renewable grid connection
The Shetland HVDC Link will create the first transmission connection between the Scottish mainland and the Shetland Islands, which lie off Scotland’s northeast coast. As a result, the new link will let Shetland export renewable energy and connect that power to the main Great Britain electricity system.
NKT President and CEO Alexander Kara said he feels pleased that NKT will support SSEN Transmission on the Shetland HVDC Link and help deliver a sustainable grid connection for the islands. He also noted that this project builds on their earlier work, including the Caithness–Moray Link, which connects Eastern and Northern Scotland.
Focus on green cable production and installation
NKT also stresses the green profile of the project. The company will produce the Shetland HVDC cables in a factory that runs on 100% green electricity, so it helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint. In addition, the NKT Victoria ranks among the most efficient and sustainable cable‑laying vessels, and it can run on shore power from the quay while in harbor, which further cuts emissions during installation.
