NKT finalizes the Shetland HVDC Link supporting the transition to renewable energy of Great Britain
In close collaboration with SSEN Transmission, NKT has completed the turnkey project of connecting the Shetland Islands to the main grid in Scotland with the Shetland HVDC Link. The 320 kV HVDC interconnector is now a key contributor to the integration of renewable energy in Great Britain.
Press Release
29 August 2024
Interconnected power grids are essential to the green transition and with the completion of the Shetland HVDC Link 600 MW of renewable energy can now flow from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish mainland. NKT has finalized the turnkey project connecting the remote islands in the North Sea to the main grid with two HVDC (direct current) 320 kV power cables. As part of the project, NKT installed 253 km offshore and 10 km onshore power cables, unlocking the Islands' renewable potential while also securing a continuous supply of low-carbon power.
- We are pleased to continue our collaboration with SSEN Transmission, utilizing our extensive HVDC technology expertise to support a low-carbon power supply for the Shetland Islands. With the completion of the Shetland HVDC Link, our contribution to the development of the power grid in Scotland and Great Britain continues, says Executive Vice President Darren Fennell, head of NKT’s high-voltage business in Karlskrona, Sweden.
The power cable project was completed on-time, on-budget, and with high consideration for the local environment and biodiversity.
- During the project, we took extra precautions to monitor and protect the local wildlife. This proves it’s possible to enable the green transition while safeguarding local wildlife during cable installation, says Darren Fennell.
The power cables for the Shetland HVDC Link were manufactured at the NKT factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, which runs on 100% renewable electricity, minimizing the carbon footprint of the cable system. As part of the environmental focus of the operation, the installation of the submarine power cable system was completed by NKT Victoria, one of the most energy efficient cable-laying vessels in the industry.
NKT has completed the turnkey project of connecting the Shetland Islands to the main
grid in Scotland with the Shetland HVDC Link. The 320 kV HVDC interconnector is
now a key contributor to the integration of renewable energy in Great Britain.
About NKT
NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures, and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 5,000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 2.6 billion in 2023. NKT - We connect a greener world. www.NKT.com.
Contact
Pelle Fischer-Nielsen, External Communications Lead,
+45 2223 5870 / pelle.fischer-nielsen@nkt.com
