Event marks start of Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable project

The groundbreaking event, held last month at Nicol of Skene’s offices in Aberdeen, brought together key delivery partners NKT, Nicol of Skene, and John Gunn & Sons, who will play vital roles in delivering this major infrastructure project.

The 203km, 2 GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable will connect the recently consented Banniskirk Hub in Caithness to the Netherton Hub in Aberdeenshire, with 166km running subsea from Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness through the Moray Firth to Rattray Head near Peterhead.

All consenting decisions have been received for the Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable, which once complete will provide a secure and efficient route for renewable energy to flow from Scotland’s north to demand centres across the country, supporting the UK’s 2030 clean power ambitions.

This milestone follows November’s announcement that the project secured its marine licence from the Scottish Government Marine Directorate, unlocking significant opportunities for local businesses and supply chains across the north of Scotland.

Contracts have been awarded to John Gunn & Sons, based in Caithness, and Nicol of Skene, based in Aberdeen, to construct the onshore cable sections at Spittal and Peterhead, respectively.   

Global cable manufacturer NKT has signed a framework agreement with SSEN Transmission, and the two parties have agreed to proceed with initial work for the HVDC link issued under the framework agreement.

Construction has begun on access roads and bell-mouth junctions near the land cable route in Peterhead, with similar work at the land cable section in Caithness expected to take place later this month. 

In November, SSEN Transmission also became the first business to sign the Highland Council’s Highland Social Value Charter (HSVC), underlining its commitment to ensuring local communities benefit from major infrastructure projects through employment, skills development, and wider socio-economic opportunities. 

Speaking at the event, Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The recent groundbreaking marks the start of a project that will play a vital role in delivering a secure, clean energy future for Scotland and the UK. This project is part of the wider upgrade of the transmission grid in the Highlands and the North East, which will be a cornerstone of future economic growth for decades to come.

“In November we were delighted to become the first business to sign the new Highland Council Social Value Charter, which underpins our commitment to ensuring the areas we work in receive long-term socio-economic benefits as a result of our projects – and the Spittal-Peterhead subsea cable link is a key example of that.

“We’re proud to work alongside NKT, Nicol of Skene, and John Gunn & Sons to ensure this investment brings lasting benefits to local communities, creating jobs and supporting supply chains in Caithness and Aberdeenshire. 

“This is just the beginning. Over the coming years, the Spittal to Peterhead link will enable the integration of more renewable energy and strengthening security of supply for generations to come. By investing in this critical infrastructure today, we’re laying the foundations for a future where Scotland leads the way in clean energy, delivering economic growth, climate action and secure power for generations.”

Darren Fennell, EVP and head of Transmission in NKT, added: “We are pleased with the progress of the project and continuing our long-standing collaboration with SSEN Transmission to strengthen Scotland’s power grid. 

“With our extensive experience in large HVDC cable projects, we remain committed to supporting the decarbonization of Great Britain’s power system. This milestone is an important step in supporting the continued expansion of our activities in Scotland.”

Peter-Jon Cowe, chief operating officer at Nicol of Skene, commented: “We’re proud that enabling works is now underway on the Spittal to Peterhead subsea link which marks the start of the construction phase of this major national project. 

“The award of the onshore works at Peterhead together with the HDD works in the north and south sections constitutes a significant endorsement of Nicol of Skene’s technical capability. Our teams are fully focused on the delivery of safe, high-quality and efficient outcomes as the project progresses.

“The Spittal-Peterhead subsea link is a project that will strengthen Scotland’s energy future while creating real benefits here in Aberdeenshire.  As a business rooted in the North East of Scotland, we are particularly committed to ensuring this project delivers lasting benefits for local communities through employment, skills development and collaboration with our supply chain partners to deliver high-quality infrastructure for the North East. It’s a great example of how major national investments can bring lasting value to local communities.”

Brendan Reynolds, project manager at John Gunn & Sons, said: “We are delighted to be working on the new Spittal to Peterhead Project on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Having previously worked on the Caithness section of the Shetland HVDC Link, we are once again very excited to be involved in such an important project.

“John Gunn & Sons has a long history working in the Caithness area in both Civil Engineering and Quarrying operations. This contract provides us with significant opportunity to expand and upskill our existing workforce, boost the local economy through additional employment opportunities and support the local supply chain in the Caithness and the Highland region.

“We look forward to working with SSEN Transmission and their partners and wish all parties involved every success on the project ahead.”

Main construction works are expected to begin following final design and procurement work, with completion targeted to align with the UK’s 2030 clean power ambitions.