Xodus Wins Framework Agreement for Employers Representative Services with SSE

Xodus Group has been awarded a framework agreement with energy company SSE to provide Employers Representative Services for the development and ongoing improvements of its electrical networks.

The contract is for three years with potential extension for a further two years and is estimated to be worth in excess of £1million.

It will involve various development and construction activities across SSE’s portfolio, which includes: to provide the Employers Representative Services in connection with marine survey of proposed subsea cable routes and landfalls; route development of proposed subsea cable routes; cable installation, cable burial and cable protection operations also during defect correction; and adherence to associated consent processes and environmental requirements.

Impression of submarine cable installation. Image courtesy of SSE.

The first call-off project under the framework is to support SSE’s electricity transmission business, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc and its Caithness - Moray HVDC Reinforcement project. Currently under construction, the interconnector cable is approximately 160km long with the 113km submarine section located between Wick and Buckie. It will be capable of transporting up to 1200MW of electricity beneath the Moray Firth. It is expected to be completed in 2018.

Xodus previously supported SSE with an environmental permit and licensing stakeholder consultation and route engineering for the proposed Western Isles HVDC project. The potential 600MW HVDC link involves connecting mainland Scotland to the Isle of Lewis with a 156km cable, 80km of which would be subsea.

James Hunt, Global Low Carbon Lead with Xodus said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside SSE to help them achieve their electrical network ambitions across Scotland. This agreement recognises our excellent offshore track record, our flexible and proactive approach, and highly knowledgeable team. Work is already underway and going well on the strategically important Caithness - Moray project that will provide secure electrical energy to a large population.

“As a business, we are focussed on managing risks and delivering quality on all projects, whether this is providing comprehensive engineering capabilities or through expert project and contract management.” David Joy Cable Engineering Manager with SSE said: “We are delighted to bring in a highly experienced Scottish company to support our team in the delivery of our network reinforcement and replacement projects around Scotland. The first project under the framework is the Caithness-Moray project and work has started immediately. We are also very proud that Caithness-Moray is a Living Wage project, and the support of a local business bringing employment to local people is important to us.