The Duke of Edinburgh Tours Sumitomo Electric’s Osaka Works, Strengthening Japan-UK Ties in Energy Infrastructure
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh paid an official visit to the Osaka Works of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., one of Japan’s most prominent technology companies and a global leader in the development of advanced power cable systems. The visit underscored not only the growing relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan but also highlighted the strategic role of Sumitomo Electric in supporting the UK’s ambitious energy transition goals.
Strengthening Links Through New Investments in Scotland
In April 2023, Sumitomo Electric revealed a significant step forward in its European expansion strategy with the announcement of a new subsidiary in the Scottish Highlands. This investment marked a major milestone in the company’s long-term plan to grow its power cable business in Europe, a market that is increasingly important given the continent’s focus on renewable energy and electrification.
The subsidiary’s new facility, currently under construction at the Port of Nigg, is poised to become a key hub for the manufacturing and supply of high-performance subsea power cables. These cables are vital to connecting offshore renewable energy projects to national grids, ensuring that clean energy sources such as offshore wind farms can reliably deliver electricity to homes and industries.
The Osaka Works, regarded as the principal plant for the new Scottish factory, has played a central role in preparing for this expansion. It was therefore a fitting location for The Duke of Edinburgh’s tour, as it allowed him to see firsthand the advanced manufacturing processes and testing methods that will eventually be replicated in Scotland.
A Warm Welcome and Strategic Briefings
Upon arrival at the Osaka Works, His Royal Highness was received by Masayoshi Matsumoto, Chairman and CEO of Sumitomo Electric Industries. Matsumoto provided a detailed overview of the company’s long history, which stretches back more than a century, as well as its diverse business operations that span sectors such as energy, information technology, automotive components, and materials science.
Following this, Yasuyuki Shibata, Senior Executive Officer of the company, gave a focused briefing on the progress of the Scottish project. He outlined the construction timeline at the Port of Nigg facility, the types of power cables to be produced, and the anticipated role the new plant will play in bolstering the UK’s energy infrastructure.
The presentations highlighted Sumitomo Electric’s long-term commitment to being not just a supplier, but a partner in the UK’s journey toward a low-carbon future.
Touring the Factory Floor
After the briefing session, The Duke of Edinburgh was escorted through the state-of-the-art power cable production lines at Osaka Works. During the tour, he observed critical stages of the manufacturing process, including the production of large-scale subsea cables designed to withstand harsh marine environments. He also witnessed pre-shipment testing procedures, a crucial step to ensure that every cable delivered to international clients meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and durability.
The Duke’s visit went beyond passive observation. He engaged actively with engineers, asking questions about the technology, the challenges of producing cables for deep-sea installation, and the company’s future ambitions in renewable energy markets.
Conversations with Engineers and Talent Exchange
One of the most meaningful aspects of the visit was The Duke’s interaction with Sumitomo Electric’s workforce. He spoke with a group of young Japanese engineers who are directly involved in international projects, reflecting the company’s emphasis on developing global talent. In addition, he met with engineers from Scotland who are currently participating in long-term training programs at Osaka Works.
These exchanges underscored the company’s vision of fostering international collaboration and knowledge transfer. His Royal Highness expressed particular interest in how these cross-cultural training initiatives are preparing engineers to take on leadership roles in advancing Japan-UK technical cooperation. He noted that developing young talent with international experience would be critical for the success of projects such as the Port of Nigg factory.
Supporting the UK’s Net Zero Vision
At the conclusion of the visit, the overarching theme became clear: Sumitomo Electric is positioning itself as a pivotal player in supporting the UK’s net zero initiatives. By delivering high-quality, technologically advanced power cables, the company will enable the transmission of renewable energy across long distances, helping Scotland and the broader UK meet their decarbonization targets.
The Port of Nigg factory is also expected to contribute significantly to local supply chains, creating new opportunities for employment, skills development, and technological innovation in the Scottish Highlands. This aligns closely with the UK’s industrial strategy of fostering green jobs and strengthening domestic infrastructure to support clean energy growth.
A Symbol of International Cooperation
The Duke of Edinburgh’s tour of Sumitomo Electric’s Osaka Works served as more than a formal diplomatic visit; it was a symbolic gesture reinforcing the importance of Japan-UK collaboration in addressing the global challenge of climate change. The discussions, briefings, and interactions during the visit highlighted how a combination of Japanese technological expertise and UK policy ambition can work hand in hand to accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy systems.
As construction continues at the Port of Nigg, the lessons learned and the technologies refined in Osaka will form the foundation for a new era of energy cooperation. The Duke’s visit not only recognized this momentous step but also emphasized the enduring value of international partnerships in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.
