On November 18, 2024, Scottish First Minister John Swinney visited the site of Sumitomo Electric’s forthcoming factory, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC U.K. POWER CABLES LTD., at the Port of Nigg, Scotland.
The Nigg facility is set to produce subsea cabling essential for offshore wind farms and grid connections, forming a cornerstone of Scotland’s renewable energy transition. Yasuyuki Shibata, Chairperson of SEUK-CL and SEI Europe, highlighted the significance of the partnership with the Scottish Government in delivering investments to propel the UK’s clean energy goals.
The clean energy transition is a major economic opportunity for Scotland and the broader United Kingdom. We are proud to be investing £350 million in our new subsea cable manufacturing facility at Nigg and are pleased with the progress so far. With over 1,000 piles sunk and more than 50 footing foundations cast, the project is on track, said Shibata.
He emphasized the critical role of subsea cabling in meeting climate targets, creating jobs, and fostering regional economic development. The project supports the UK’s clean energy goals while delivering affordable renewable energy to consumers and strengthening the local supply chain.
A Landmark for Scotland’s Offshore Wind Sector
First Minister John Swinney praised the project as a transformative step for Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions:
Sumitomo’s HVDC cable factory at Nigg will be the first of its kind in the UK, reinforcing Scotland’s position as a leader in the offshore wind sector. It will create hundreds of green jobs in the Highlands and is a significant milestone in building the infrastructure needed to grow our world-class offshore wind industry.
The factory has received £24.5 million in grant funding from the Scottish Government and its economic development agencies, alongside Green Freeport tax incentives. This support is part of Scotland’s £500 million investment strategy to anchor the offshore wind supply chain within the country.
Swinney underscored the collaboration between the private and public sectors, stating, “This factory exemplifies how Green Freeport incentives and public-private partnerships are driving economic growth while advancing environmental goals.”
With this groundbreaking facility, Sumitomo Electric and Scotland are setting the stage for a sustainable energy future while creating economic opportunities for communities across the UK.
