Danish power cable manufacturer and installation company NKT has been awarded the final contracts for two Scottish HVDC transmission links that form part of a major upgrade of the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland (United Kingdom) (NKT press release, 19/01/2026).
SSEN Transmission, the transmission system operator (TSO) for the north of Scotland, has awarded NKT the final contracts for the 525 kV HVDC power cable systems for the Western Isles and Spittal to Peterhead projects. The 1.8 GW Western Isles project will include approximately 170 km of combined onshore and offshore 525 kV HVDC cable, while the 2 GW Spittal to Peterhead project will comprise around 210 km of combined onshore and offshore 525 kV HVDC cable. Both projects are expected to be commissioned in 2030.
« The Western Isles and Spittal to Peterhead offshore HVDC transmission links are crucial projects that form part of the ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme being delivered by SSEN Transmission, a major upgrade to the electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland”, according to press release.