XLCCย gained planning approval to build theย XLCC HVDC subsea cable factory, the U.K.โs first dedicated HVDC subsea cable manufacturing plant, at Hunterston in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The North Ayrshire Council Planning Committee backed the project on June 29, so work on the brownfield site can now move forward.
XLCC HVDC subsea cable factory to power renewables
The XLCC HVDC subsea cable factory will produce XLPE (crossโlinked polyethylene) insulated HVDC subsea cables for interconnectors and export cables that return offshore wind power to shore. Global demand for longโdistance, highโcapacity renewable links continues to grow, so the new facility will strengthen the U.K.โs role in the energy transition.
Project Director Alan Mathers described the plant as a factory of โgreat local and international importanceโ for HVDC subsea cable. He also said the Hunterston site will help position the U.K. as a greenโeconomy leader by connecting lowโcost renewable energy from projects around the world.
Testing partnership and new installation vessel
XLCC selected HIGHVOLT as its main supplier of test systems for preโqualification, type, and routine testing. Testing and certification will run through 2023 and 2024. After that period, XLCC plans to start producing its first commercial cable lengths in 2025 for customer projects.
The company also ordered a highโefficiency cableโlaying vessel to install its subsea HVDC cables. Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
XLCC HVDC subsea cable factory to drive jobs and skills
The XLCC HVDC subsea cable factory at Hunterston will support around 900 jobs once fully operational. Additional roles are expected across the wider supply chain. XLCC expects to need about 60 specialist HVDC jointers and is working with Ayrshire College to expand Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) courses at its Ayr, Kilmarnock, and Kilwinning campuses.
This partnership gives local students clear training routes into advanced cable manufacturing and the wider cleanโenergy industry.
First contract: Xlinks MoroccoโU.K. link
XLCC has already booked its first major order: four 3,800โkilometre HVDC subsea cables for the Xlinks MoroccoโU.K. Power Project. The link will connect large solar and wind farms in the Sahara to the U.K. It will create one of the worldโs longest subsea power routes and deliver up to 3.6 GW of clean energy.
CEO Simon Morrish, founder and CEO of Ground Control and Levitate Capital, leads XLCCโs strategy. His background in electrificationโfocused investments, previous experience at McKinsey & Co., and MBA from Harvard Business School support the companyโs ambitions in global energy infrastructure.
