This year’s £38 million programme of upgrades to the subsea network connecting islands and coastal communities is the largest we've ever undertaken in a single year.
The subsea cables installed this year connect Mull and Iona, Coll and Tiree, and Kilmalieu to Loch a ’Choire. A replacement for an existing, faulted, subsea cable connecting Mainland Shetland to Yell was also laid.
This programme of works required meticulous planning as the cables can only be laid during a narrow weather window in the summer - and even then, the teams were keeping a constant eye out for any changes to tidal conditions. Once the cables are safely installed, a rigorous regime of further works and testing begins to ensure the new cable’s integrity and reliability.
A rolling programme of renewal
To ensure the continued reliability of power supplies, we've got an ongoing programme of maintenance and inspection across our subsea cables to identify where upgrades are required.
These upgrades also help ensure the network is able to meet future load demands as more people seek to use clean electricity to heat homes, charge vehicles, and export any power they generate locally. Local authorities and community councils were kept updated prior to - and during - cable installations to ensure their questions were answered.
Kevin Galbraith, our Subsea Cables Project Director, says:
“We’re proud of the role we play in powering some of Scotland’s most remote island communities. This year’s programme of replacement and upgrade works not only strengthens the security of the electricity supply for homes and businesses, it also ensures that our network can accommodate both existing and future energy demands.”
We've been working closely with specialist subsea delivery contractor Briggs Marine to deliver this year’s installation programme.
Craig English, Operations Director at Briggs Marine, says:
“Working collaboratively with SSEN Distribution on the 2025 subsea cable installation programme has provided the opportunity to showcase the depth and range of marine expertise Briggs Marine has to offer. Safely overcoming weather challenges including Storm Floris, gave us pause for thought at certain points throughout the programme. However, we’re delighted to see the fifth and final cable energised this week, marking the end to a safe and successful installation campaign."
Dr Rupert Ormonde, Secretary, Isle of Mull Community Council, says:
“We’ve welcomed the ongoing engagement from SSEN Distribution regarding the subsea cable replacement project connecting Mull to Iona. They’ve kept us informed about what to expect during the whole process. We were also reassured to learn of the extensive marine and environmental surveys carried out ahead of the works.”