Name and Location
Caithness high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) power transmission link project, Scotland.

Client
Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission.

Project Description
SHE Transmission is undertaking a major strengthening of its power network serving the north of Scotland to accommodate the rapid growth in electricity generation from renewable sources.

The Caithness-Moray subsea link will connect the electricity grid on either side of the Moray Firth, in Northern Scotland, using HVDC light technology. It has the capacity to carry up to 1 200 MW of electricity, equivalent to the electricity needs of about two-million Scottish people.

The link will strengthen the existing grid and enable the region to harness the large roll-out of offshore wind farms and other renewable-energy projects in nearby Scottish waters.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The link is scheduled to become operational in 2018.

Latest Developments
ABB has been awarded a contract to design, engineer, supply and commission two land-based 320 kV HVDC light-converter stations, one rated 1 200 MW at Blackhillock, in Moray, and another rated 800 MW situated at Spittal, in Caithness.

ABB’s scope of supply also includes submarine and underground cables, covering a total transmission length of nearly 160 km.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ABB (HVDC light-converter stations).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
SSE’s media team, tel +44 845 0760 630 or email media@sse.com.
ABB head of external communications and spokesperson Thomas Schmidt, tel +41 43 317 7111.