National Grid picks Sumitomo Electric for 2GW Sea Link HVDC project

The UK National Grid has chosen Sumitomo Electric Industries, a Japan-based cable manufacturer, as the preferred bidder to supply and install the subsea cable for the 2GW Sea Link high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity transmission project.

The Sea Link project comprises a 138km undersea cable crossing under the Thames Estuary and southern North Sea, and connecting converter stations in Kent and Suffolk.

The project aims to provide clean and affordable energy to households, businesses and public services within those regions and beyond.

National Grid chief engineer and offshore delivery director for strategic infrastructure Zac Richardson stated: “The selection of Sumitomo Electric as preferred bidder, and the use of UK-based cable manufacturing for the first time in decades, is a major step forward.

“It will bring real investment in UK jobs, skills and industrial capability. Sea Link is part of our wider programme of upgrades that will also support around 55,000 jobs across the UK by the end of the decade.”

Sumitomo Electric was chosen as the preferred bidder following an extensive tender process.

The works will be executed at the company’s new under-construction production facility at Port of Nigg, Scotland.

The £350m ($407m) investment by Sumitomo Electric into its Nigg factory is expected to create 150 jobs while supporting local businesses and supply chains.

Sumitomo Electric Industries managing director Masaki Shirayama stated: “I am pleased with the preferred bidder position for Sea Link and thank National Grid’s team for the evaluation and the decision.

“We plan 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 deliver the project in a timely manner with the highest standards of safety and quality.”

This announcement follows Siemens Energy’s appointment to construct converter stations for the Sea Link project.

In August 2024, Sumitomo Electric Industries completed the Greenlink interconnector, linking Ireland and Wales with an HVDC and fibre optic connection.