subsea
XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK's first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK’s first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year.   Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

subsea

XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK's first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

XLCC Secures detailed planning approval to build UK’s first HVDC Cable Factory in North Ayrshire

NORTH Ayrshire Council Planning Committee has granted full planning permission for XLCC’s HVDC subsea cable manufacturing operations in Hunterston, Scotland. The decision paves the way for construction to commence and follows outline planning permission granted last year.   Having received essential management and design support from leading independent construction, property, and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard, work on the site will start in early 2024 with cable production slated for 2026.   Development of the brownfield site will create a new UK industry to support global decarbonisation targets. By 2025, the facility will support 900 jobs in the area, with thousands more in the wider supply chain.   Santosh Patel, director at Pick Everard who has been working closely on the project, said: “We’re proud to be involved and at the forefront of this project, helping to create a new high tech green industry for the UK. Reaching this milestone and securing full planning permission is a huge step in realising this cutting-edge project’s potential.   “We want the HVDC cable factory to be a beacon for others and an example of commitment to supporting our country’s drive to net zero. To reach our goals, expanding our solar and wind infrastructure is crucial, and this factory will help massively in accomplishing this.”  Demand for high-voltage cables is set to increase six-fold over the next seven years, as many countries look globally to expand their sources of renewable energy. XLCC’s first order is for four 3,800km long cables to connect solar and wind renewable power generation in the Sahara to the UK for the Xlinks Morocco-UK power project. XLCC has also secured additional MOUs for domestic projects.   XLCC CEO, Ian Douglas, said: “To deliver the energy transition and achieve net zero, the improved global transmission of electricity is critical. Put simply, there can be no transition without transmission. As demand for HVDC cables continues to boom, we are excited to bring such a significant project to an area with a proud industrial pedigree.  “We thank the local community and North Ayrshire Council for their constructive engagement and support during the process, and we look forward to working with them and other local partners to ensure the factory delivers maximum benefits to Hunterston and the wider region.”  To learn more about Pick Everard, visit its website here: www.pickeverard.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Namaka Subsea expands operations at Moorfield’s Aberdeen Energy Park

Subsea consultancy doubles floorspace at the Innovation Centre Namaka Subsea has upsized operations at Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks in Bridge of Don, with the subsea consultancy company moving from Unit 16 to Units 6 and 7 at the Innovation Centre, having agreed a five-year lease with Moorfield Group, the Parks’ owner and landlord. Namaka Subsea, which provides a range of subsea consulting services, including diving and ROV auditing and assurance, to oil and gas operators, has been based at the Innovation Centre for the past three years. Namaka has recently been awarded a new contract with a leading global energy provider to supply dive system auditing, onshore support, technical advice and assurance services. This contract win has facilitated the expansion of the business over the past 18 months, with headcount increasing from six to eleven employees. Sandy Harper, CEO of Namaka Subsea said: “We are excited with the growth of our business, particularly during challenging economic times. We have been very satisfied with the space we’ve had at the Innovation Centre for the past three years and pleased that we have been able to continue our growth and development within this fantastic location.” Hugh Canham, Head of Asset Management at Moorfield Group added: “Our parks provide the perfect environment for businesses to develop and prosper. We are committed to supporting our existing occupiers and helping them realise their growth ambitions. It is particularly satisfying to see an existing occupier like Namaka Subsea continue to expand here and we wish them continued success.” Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks comprise 200,000 sq ft of multi-let office and industrial space for more than 80 companies and a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees in the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen. The Innovation Centre offers occupiers a modern serviced office centre that provides a mix of two to ten person serviced office suites on highly flexible terms. The park offers ample car parking and electric charging points. It is conveniently located, approximately three miles north of Aberdeen city centre and close to the Aberdeen Western Periphery Route. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks, which is managed by Avison Young.

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