Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSEN Transmission) has announced the start of construction works on the Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable, establishing a crucial energy link between Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
Upon completion, the 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will offer a reliable and efficient pathway for electricity from renewable sources to reach consumers nationwide.
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The project will also be essential in advancing Scotland and the UK’s goals for clean energy and enhanced energy security.
Local contractors Nicol of Skene and John Gunn and Sons are responsible for onshore cable work at Rattray Head near Peterhead and Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness, respectively.
At Rattray Head, Nicol of Skene has started horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and duct installation to prepare for onshore cable works.
The construction of the main works compound is also under way.
Ongoing tasks include access, compound construction and power connections, with landfall HDD scheduled for the summer to facilitate marine cable installation.
Meanwhile, in Caithness, John Gunn and Sons is progressing with early enabling works.
It has initiated main construction activities such as access road and HDD works, and the main works compound is expected to be operational soon.
SSE Transmission Spittal to Peterhead project director Niall MacLeod said: “We are making strong progress across the Spittal to Peterhead Link, reflecting the strong collaborative approach between SSEN Transmission, principal contractor NKT, and our delivery partners Nicol of Skene and John Gunn and Sons.
“Close working relationships across the project team are supporting safe, high-quality construction activity on the ground and helping to lay strong foundations for the next phase of the project.
“The momentum being seen across both the northern and southern sections of the route demonstrates what can be achieved through clear planning, strong leadership and effective partnership working, all while keeping safety at the heart of everything we do.
“With main works now under way, the project is moving steadily towards the start of landfall HDD activities this summer.”
Last month, Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission finalised contracts with Hitachi Energy and NKT for the delivery of the Eastern Green Link 3 electricity transmission project in the UK.
