Planning for HVDC Cable Manufacturing Facility

Arthian played a pivotal role in the development of Sumitomo Electric’s new high-voltage direct current cable (HVDC)  factory at Nigg, a landmark project supporting Scotland’s transition to renewable energy. This facility will manufacture subsea cables essential for offshore wind farms, enabling the transmission of clean energy across the UK and beyond.

Arthian was engaged to provide strategic planning and technical advisory services throughout the project lifecycle. Our team worked closely with Sumitomo and key stakeholders to navigate complex planning requirements, ensuring compliance with local and national regulations in securing Planning Consent through submission of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report secured within the 16-week statutory timescale from point of submission.

Key contributions included:

• Planning Strategy: We developed a robust planning framework to secure consents for a large-scale industrial facility within a sensitive coastal environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Arthian facilitated consultations with local authorities, environmental agencies, and community representatives, addressing concerns around land use, biodiversity, and visual impact.
• Technical Expertise: Our specialists advised on site layout, transport logistics, and integration with existing infrastructure at Nigg Energy Park, optimising operational efficiency and minimising environmental footprint.

The Sumitomo Electric Cable Factory represents a significant investment in Scotland’s green economy, creating hundreds of skilled jobs and reinforcing the region’s position as a global hub for offshore wind technology. Arthian’s proactive approach ensured timely approvals and mitigated potential risks, enabling construction to progress on schedule with an anticipated fully operational date in Q4 2026.

This project exemplifies Arthian’s commitment to delivering planning and technical solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. By supporting Sumitomo’s vision, we have contributed to a critical piece of infrastructure that will accelerate the UK’s net-zero ambitions.