NKT has been awarded SSEN Transmission‘s largest ever contract after securing £2 billion worth of work on two key subsea cable links.
The contracts cover the creation of a link between Spittal and Peterhead, as well as a proposed one to connect the Western Isles to the Scottish mainland.
Valued at £2 billion when combined, it represents the biggest contract award that SSEN Transmission has ever issued – with it covering the design, production, and installation of both onshore and subsea cable systems for the two critical national infrastructure projects.
The proposed Western Isles link will enable export of renewable power from island generation to the mainland grid, and vice-versa, while the Spittal to Peterhead link will form a strategic transmission corridor for energy flow across the north of Scotland.
Together, these projects are part of SSEN Transmission’s broader £22bn+ investment programme — designed to upgrade the transmission system across the north of Scotland, helping to deliver energy security and clean power targets.
NKT has a track record in manufacturing and installing HVDC cables globally, as well as delivery experience in the UK.
Claes Westerlind, president and CEO of NKT, said, “We are pleased to have signed the final contracts for these two Scottish transmission links with SSEN Transmission. This milestone reinforces our strong position in the UK market and reflects our commitment to strengthening the cable infrastructure supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy. We will continue our excellent collaboration with SSEN Transmission, while also strengthening our corporate footprint by creating local jobs and building partnerships with UK suppliers.”
Sandy Mactaggart, SSEN Transmission’s director of offshore delivery, added, “Awarding these contracts marks another major step forward in delivering the critical subsea links needed to unlock Scotland’s clean energy potential. This is the largest contract award in SSEN Transmission’s history, underlining both the scale of the challenge ahead and the scale of our commitment to delivering the infrastructure our energy system needs.
“Our long‑standing partnership with NKT gives us confidence in delivering these complex projects to the highest standards, while ensuring that the benefits are felt locally through jobs, investment and opportunities for communities across the north of Scotland. As we move into the construction phase, we remain firmly focused on delivering the infrastructure that will help secure a cleaner, more resilient energy future for homes and businesses across Great Britain.”
