BAM and Siemens Energy JV to Deliver Orkney-Caithness Link, Connecting Orkney to the GB Electricity Grid for the First Time
BAM, in partnership with Siemens Energy, has been selected by SSEN Transmission to execute crucial components of the Orkney-Caithness Link project, marking the first-ever connection of Orkney to the GB electricity transmission network.
The project represents a significant £900 million investment, with plans to install a new subsea high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. This connection will enable the transmission of up to 220MW of renewable electricity to the national grid, contributing to the UK’s energy security and its net zero targets.
The Orkney-Caithness link will comprise a substation at Finstown, Orkney, connected to 14 km of underground cable leading to Warebeth. From there, a 53 km subsea cable will link to a new substation at Dounreay, Caithness, which will tie into the GB electricity transmission network.
Key supply chain partners for the project include:
- Siemens Energy and BAM Joint Venture (JV), which will be responsible for constructing the substations, bringing their expertise in delivering transmission infrastructure in island environments.
- RJ McLeod, who will install the underground cable ducting, employing horizontal direction drilling to minimize environmental impact.
- Nexans, tasked with manufacturing the cables in Halden, Norway, and installing the 14 km land and 53 km subsea cable system between the substations.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2023, with full energisation of the link expected by 2028.
Huw Jones, Executive Director at BAM Nuttall, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We’re thrilled to move forward with this vital upgrade to the UK’s energy network. Partnering with Siemens Energy, we’re committed to delivering sustainable energy infrastructure for SSEN Transmission. This project is a key step toward decarbonising the grid, and we look forward to creating a lasting impact on the local community.”
Ian Clark, Deputy Project Director at SSEN Transmission, commented on the milestone: “We’re delighted to have secured contracts with Siemens Energy and BAM JV, Nexans, and RJ McLeod. Their proven track records give us confidence as we transition to the construction phase. This project has been in development since 2017, and the hard work of the entire team has brought us to this exciting point. We are ready to begin construction in Finstown and Dounreay, and we will keep the local communities engaged throughout the process.”
As the project progresses, SSEN Transmission and its partners will collaborate closely with the local community through the Community Liaison Group (CLG) to ensure two-way communication and engagement.
Mark Pilling, Vice President of Grid Solutions Europe at Siemens Energy, also highlighted the project’s importance: “We are proud to contribute to unlocking the potential of renewable energy in Scotland’s islands. Siemens Energy’s grid stabilisation technology will connect 220MW of clean energy to power 250,000 homes. This project reinforces our strong relationship with BAM and SSEN Transmission.”
With the supply chain fully in place, the Orkney-Caithness connection project now enters the construction phase, with completion targeted for 2028.
