Hitachi Energy celebrates the start of a EnCompass Long-Term Service Agreement of Caithness-Moray and Shetland’s multi-terminal HVDC system

Hitachi Energy is entering a new era of developing sustainable power infrastructure through a historic EnCompass service agreement that will see the company maintain world-leading multi-terminal High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems in Caithness-Moray and Shetland. 

The 1,200 MW Caithness-Moray and Shetland project is Europe's first multi-terminal HVDC system using Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology that enabled Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSEN) to connect the electricity grids on each side of the Moray Firth and Shetland. This enables greater flexibility to transfer power in multiple directions based on fluctuating supply and demand, as efficiently as possible. The pioneering infrastructure marks a significant step in the continent's journey toward a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected energy network and helps to connect and transmit wind power generated on the islands to the UK mainland – critical to maintain the UK’s energy security and to move power to where it can be used HVDC. This Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) is an extension of the LTSA for the Caithness Moray (CM) HVDC system that has being in place since 2018. The CMS LTSA will see Hitachi Energy execute all maintenance activities including cyber security related services for the CMS HVDC system ensuring that the system operates as efficiently as possible to continue to reliable power transmission.

Ensuring Long-Term Reliability

The long-term service agreement marks the beginning of a new phase in the life of this pioneering infrastructure Maintenance is a crucial aspect of any energy project, ensuring that the system operates at peak efficiency and continues to deliver reliable power transmission. For a project of this magnitude and complexity, maintenance requires a specialized approach, combining advanced technology with expert knowledge.

Hitachi Energy will work closely with client SSEN to ensure that the interconnector remains in optimal condition. The team will conduct regular inspections, perform necessary upgrades and security updates and respond swiftly to any issues that may arise. This proactive approach is essential to prevent disruptions, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of the interconnector.

Conclusion

The start of the Encompass LTSA for Europe's first VSC HVDC multi-terminal interconnector is a momentous occasion and marks the continued progress of a groundbreaking project that is redefining the future of energy transmission. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to ensuring the long-term success of this interconnector, supporting Europe's energy goals, and driving innovation in the energy sector.

This project not only represents a triumph of engineering and technology but also a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to a sustainable future. We look forward to the continued success of this interconnector and the many benefits it will bring to Europe and the world.