A HUNTERSTON company has been awarded a £9 million grant to help manufacture undersea electricity cables.

XLCC make high-voltage direct current cables (HVDC) which enable long-distance electricity transmission - designed to connect power grids and ideal as the UK and other countries look to get more energy from renewable sources, such as off-shore wind.

Industry projections suggest subsea cable demand will outstrip supply by 2,5 times by the end of this decade, said Scottish Enterprise, who awarded the grant to XLCC.

In May, North Ayrshire Council gave planning approval for a proposed XLCC site, which is said will employ up to 900 high-skilled permanent workers when fully operational.

The firm will also work with the council, Skills Development Scotland and local schools or colleges to deliver the £1.4 billion facility.

Councillor Marie Burns, leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “This is one of the largest ever investments in Scotland and the significance of this development cannot be overstated. It is incredibly exciting for the North Coast, North Ayrshire and beyond.

“Not only is the development likely to create 900 full-time jobs and a range of training and apprenticeship opportunities but it will also secure offshore renewable energy supplies for the entire country.

“As a community wealth building council, we are determined to grow our economy for the benefit of local communities and bring investment into the area and are delighted that XLCC has committed to growing their operation here, in Hunterston underlining our belief that Hunterston’s unique location and connectivity is of national economic importance.”

The HVDC factory in Hunterston will be the UK's first and is designed to turn the area into a "hub for the country's net zero industry".

 

Enterprise leaders said the £9m grant further highlighted a commitment to "green energy transition" as well as industry investment.

Ian Douglas, CEO of XLCC, said: “We welcome the decision by Scottish Enterprise to award XLCC this £9m grant.

"As we continue to work towards building a greener future for Scotland and the wider UK, investing in and mobilising the power of local communities is vital and this grant helps us set our Hunterston project on the best footing. Green energy is the future, and we want to empower Scotland to be part of the transition.”

Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, added: “XLCC’s plans for Hunterston have the potential to be transformational for the regional economy and an extremely important addition to Scotland’s offshore renewables capability.

"Together with our Team Scotland partners, we’re working closely with the company as it seeks to address the enormous and growing demand for HVDC cables both in Scotland and internationally.”

The Scottish Government said the project's latest milestone was a "welcome vote of confidence" in the country's "renewable energy revolution".

Neil Gray, wellbeing economy secretary, added: “Our offshore renewables capabilities are accelerating more widely over the next five years, with up to £500m additional Scottish Government investment and work progressing on our green industrial strategy.

"This will help create thousands of sustainable jobs and can secure a just transition for our energy sector and a fairer, greener Scotland for everyone.”