Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland — Powersystems, high-voltage electrical engineering specialists, update on the electrical works contract for the 67.1 MW Benbrack Onshore Wind Farm project. This venture, situated near Carsphairn, aims to contribute significantly to the UK’s renewable energy capacity and is part of the broader effort to transition to a carbon-free future.
Powersystems’ Expertise in Renewable Energy
With over 5 GW of wind energy connected to the UK National Grid, Powersystems continues to expand its portfolio of renewable wind energy projects. Partnering with Jones Bros Civil Engineering on behalf of Red Rock Power and their service consultant, Natural Power, this project marks another milestone in Powersystems’ extensive history of connecting renewable energy projects across Scotland.
Graham Stewart Powersystems’ Project Manager expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We have vast amounts of experience working on wind farm projects, and this presents another fantastic chance for our skilled team to showcase their talents. We have been committed to leveraging local resources and supply chains to benefit the community.”
Comprehensive Electrical Infrastructure with Health and Safety as PriorityNo.1
Powersystems is undertaking a comprehensive scope of work for the Benbrack Wind Farm, focusing on the entire electrical infrastructure essential for the project’s success. This involves a wide range of responsibilities, including the design, specification, manufacture, supply, transport, delivery, installation, pre-commissioning, testing, and interim operation of the Balance of Plant (BoP) electrical components. Powersystems is committed to ensuring that all work meets rigorous safety standards, making health and safety the PriorityNo.1 on site.
Key Elements of the Project
The point of connection (POC) for the project will be linked to the Benbrack Collector Substation, operating at a connection voltage of 33kV at 50Hz. Powersystems’ scope covers several critical areas, ensuring seamless integration with the grid and compliance with all relevant standards:
- System Design – developing the complete electrical and fibre optic system, including earthing and lightning protection for the electrical collection system and wind turbine generators (WTG), in line with the wind turbine contractor (WTC) requirements up to the point of connection. This also includes all necessary studies and calculations to comply with the Grid Code, Grid Connection Agreement (GCA), and other relevant standards.
- Ancillary Systems – Designing and specifying all ancillary systems, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards through detailed calculations.
- Performance Specifications – Providing detailed performance specifications for the electrical system and components.
- Detailed Drawings – Producing detailed drawings for all aspects of the electrical system, including logic diagrams for system operation.
- Wind Farm Substation -Overseeing the design, construction, and installation of the wind farm substation.
- Protection System – Designing, specifying, supplying, installing, pre-commissions, tests, and handing over the protection system of the wind farm substation.
- Network Connection – Executing all of the design work to facilitate the project’s connection to the network system.
Powersystems’ Responsibilities
Powersystems’ role involves providing critical infrastructure components, ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the wind farm:
- 33 kV Switchgear – Essential for managing and distributing electricity generated by the turbines.
- Remote Control Panel -Enabling efficient monitoring and operation of the wind farm.
- 33 kV Cables – Ensuring safe and reliable electricity transmission from the turbines.
- Auxiliary Transformer – Supplying essential power for ancillary systems.
- LVAC System – Managing low-voltage alternating current systems crucial for operations.
- DC Supply System and UPS – Guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply for control systems.
- Substation and Turbine Earthing – Critical for safety and operational efficiency.
- Lighting and Fibre Optic Cables – Ensures site security and communication infrastructure.
By maintaining a strong emphasis on health and safety, Powersystems ensures that every aspect of the Benbrack Wind Farm’s electrical infrastructure is designed and implemented with the highest safety standards in mind, reinforcing their commitment to delivering successful renewable energy projects.
Benbrack Project Timeline and Development
The Benbrack Wind Farm, first proposed in 2012 and granted planning consent in 2017, comprises of 15 turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 149 meters. The development utilises a combination of Vestas V136 and V117 turbines, construction began in October 2022. Jones Bros achieved significant milestones, early on in the project including the completion of approximately 10 km of access tracks, and the first foundation pour in July 2023.
Vestas commenced turbine installation in early 2024, with the first power generation in the spring and full commercial operations expected by the late summer of 2024. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, following the installation and commissioning of all necessary infrastructure.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Upon completion, the Benbrack Wind Farm is expected to provide clean energy to over 20,000 households, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 31.7 tonnes annually. Economically, the project is a collaborative effort, with part ownership by over 5,600 local households and 19 small and medium enterprises, as well as commercial property investor Bruntwood.
Natural Power will oversee construction management, ensuring the project adheres to all environmental and operational standards, while fostering community engagement and local investment. This initiative underscores the commitment to sustainable energy and the transition to a greener future for the UK.
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems UK.
- Email jules.daly@powersystemsuk.com Telephone 01454 318000
- Photography Copyright please credit all images used to powersystemsuk.co.uk
Powersystems are powering the transition to a carbon free future
As a high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 47 years (1977-2024) experience Powersystems have grown by reputation to become a trusted force in the design, installation and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the UK.
Celebrating 27 years as the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme ‘s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems are capable of delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV.
Since 2000, Powersystems have connected over 6 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation to the UK electricity grid, along with decarbonisation technology which includes; wind energy projects, solar, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric, electrical vehicle infrastructure, short term operating reserve STOR, combined heat and power (CHP), Grid stability projects like rotating stabilisers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as well as commercial industrial private wire networks.
Working with partners, delivering sustainable power solutions, proudly the Powersystems high voltage specialist team have connected 30% of all U.K. onshore wind farms.
At the core of the operation is a commitment to the highest values of health and safety, welfare, quality and the environment. Powersystems Integrated management systems are ISO accredited and their approach under their health and safety ‘Priority No.1’ brand is to aim for the best industry practice in all.
Powersystems UK Ltd. is an Employee-Owned Business and as such has a keen interest in the well-being of all its employees. They encourage and empower you to be imaginative, share great ideas and be involved in the success of the business.
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