Sumitomo Electric Named Preferred Bidder for Major 525kV HVDC Sea Link Project Connecting Kent and Suffolk
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has been selected as the preferred bidder by National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC (NGET) for the Sea Link high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable project. This significant infrastructure development proposes a 138-kilometer subsea cable connection between Suffolk and Kent and is currently under review by the Planning Inspectorate. Once completed, the Sea Link will become a vital component of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy future.
The Sea Link project is part of National Grid’s broader initiative known as The Great Grid Upgrade, an ambitious program designed to dramatically expand the United Kingdom’s electricity transmission capacity. The upgrade is intended to facilitate the efficient movement of renewable and low-carbon energy across the country, ensuring reliable supply to homes and businesses and supporting the UK’s legally binding goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Sumitomo Electric, a longstanding global leader in HVDC cable technology, brings extensive experience to the table, having been active in the sector since the 1970s. The company’s reputation for delivering on time and meeting demanding technical standards has been cemented by successful projects such as the Nemo Link, a subsea HVDC connection between the UK and Belgium. Remarkably, this link has achieved six years of operation without any failure—a benchmark of reliability in the industry.
More recently, Sumitomo Electric completed the Greenlink Interconnector, another cross-border energy link connecting the UK and Ireland. Commissioned earlier this year, it stands as yet another testament to the company’s engineering prowess and its ability to deliver complex energy infrastructure projects within regulatory timelines and quality expectations.
For the Sea Link project, Sumitomo Electric will manufacture the 525kV HVDC cables at its state-of-the-art submarine cable facility located at the Port of Nigg in Scotland. This local production capability is more than a logistical advantage—it’s a strategic investment in the UK’s energy future. By manufacturing domestically, Sumitomo Electric not only strengthens the national supply chain but also aligns with the sustainability, social value, and decarbonisation objectives outlined by both the UK and Scottish governments.
The Port of Nigg factory is poised to become a cornerstone in the UK’s HVDC infrastructure network, supporting the ongoing build-out of renewable energy systems. In addition to cable production, the facility is expected to catalyze further economic activity through supply chain investments, job creation, and skills development, making it a hub of industrial growth and sustainability.
Sumitomo Electric is currently working closely with National Grid to finalize the terms of the contract, with expectations of a formal agreement in the near future. The project is positioned to play a transformative role in enhancing the UK’s grid resilience while simultaneously meeting future electricity demands with lower environmental impact.
Leadership Perspectives on the Sea Link Project
Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric, expressed his appreciation for the decision and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to excellence. “I am pleased with the preferred bidder position for Sea Link, and really thank National Grid’s team for the evaluation and the decision. Our plan is to manufacture and supply 525kV HVDC cable from our factory in the UK. As proven in other HVDC projects in the region, we are committed to delivering the project in a timely manner with the highest standards of safety and quality,” he stated.
Zac Richardson, Chief Engineer and Offshore Delivery Director for Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, also shared his enthusiasm: “We are pleased to name Sumitomo Electric as the preferred bidder for the HVDC cable element of Sea Link, a project that will play a vital role in strengthening the electricity network between Kent and Suffolk and delivering cleaner, more affordable energy to where it’s needed most.”
Richardson also highlighted the broader implications of the project on domestic industry and economic resilience. “Sumitomo Electric’s investment in a new factory at the Port of Nigg marks the first time in around 20 years that transmission cable will be manufactured here in the UK. This is a major milestone not just for Sea Link, but for The Great Grid Upgrade, helping to build a stronger, more resilient UK supply chain that supports jobs, skills, and long-term industrial and economic growth.”
