CMS, Scotland

Investment in the renewable energy sector in Scotland has increased significantly over the past ten years. In 2015, Scottish renewables generated 57.7% of Scotland’s total electricity consumption, in comparison to just 14.1% in 2004. At the end of 2015, Scotland had a total installed renewable electricity generation capacity of 7.7GW with an additional 13GW in planning, consented or in construction.

To accommodate this newly constructed generation capacity and ensure the future security of energy supply across the UK, a major reinforcement of the transmission network serving the north of Scotland is required.

The Caithness-Moray project represents a £1.1bn capital investment by SSEN, centred on a submarine cable capable of carrying up to 1,200MW beneath the Moray Firth. With associated reinforcement of the existing onshore transmission network, the project will represent the largest investment in the north of Scotland’s electricity network since the hydro development era of the 1950s.

The link connects the electricity grid on either side of the Moray Firth using world-leading and well established HVDC cable technology from NKT with a minimal visual impact. It has the capacity to carry up to 1,200 MW (megawatt) of electricity – equivalent to the electricity needs of about two million people.

The installation of the 113 km long submarine cable system in the ploughed trench in the seabed was the maiden project of our purpose-built cablelaying vessel NKT Victoria. It can hold 9,000 tons of power cable and offers state-of-the-art cable-laying capability. In-house marine engineering and cable technology engineering facilitated an efficient installation operation with the cable integrity in focus and thereby reducing risks. The vessel´s dynamic positioning (DP3) and remotely operated vehicles featuring cameras and sonar enabled high-precision installation of the cable in the trench. The successful first installation was a true milestone both for the project and for us.

The transmission link benefits from our five-year cable service agreement, including for example 24/7 phone support, training, remote access and spare parts and facility management.

It is fulfilling for us at NKT to support this major transmission project that will enable the integration of more renewable energy and supply clean, emissionfree electricity to millions of people.