The HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) undersea cable factory of Sumitomo Electric Industries was officially inaugurated on October 19, 2023, in the Port of Nigg, Scotland. As the first factory of its kind in Britain, it will contribute £350 million (over €416 million) to the local Highland economy.
Inauguration Details
The inauguration ceremony of this factory was held with a blend of Japanese cultural heritage and local Scottish traditions. The ceremony featured the "Kagami Biraki" ritual, which involved breaking sake barrels with wooden mallets for good fortune, along with performances of local bell music.
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Notable figures at the event included Osamu Inoue, President of Sumitomo Electric, who stated: "I am very pleased with the official opening of the new undersea cable factory in Scotland, and this factory will serve as a vital manufacturing base to strengthen the energy transmission infrastructure of Britain." He also referred to the company’s commitment to supporting international projects and offshore wind in Europe.
Economic and Social Impacts
The factory, covering an area of 58,000 square meters on a 15-hectare site, will produce HVDC energy transmission cables with a voltage of 525 kilovolts and undersea cables between wind energy farms. This facility will directly create over 200 local jobs, with an overall impact on the UK supply chain of more than 400 jobs.
John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, emphasized at the event: "This facility places Scotland at the heart of energy transmission and demonstrates confidence in our engineering skills and capabilities. We have invested £24.5 million in the construction of this factory to help create hundreds of high-paying jobs in the Highlands and provide sustainable opportunities for future generations."
With the opening of this factory, Scotland will be recognized as a key center in the marine energy industry and will help strengthen the energy security of the country. Sumitomo Electric, with over a century of experience in undersea cable systems, will continue to create sustainable and reliable energy networks for the future.
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