Powersystems is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the electrical grid connection works and the electrical balance of plant works package for the Easter Drumclair Wind Farm project. This prestigious commission by our client Tamani highlights the exceptional expertise and commitment of Powersystems in advancing renewable energy projects across the UK.
Project Overview
As the Principal Contractor for the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) adopted works, we are proud to contribute to this significant milestone in the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.
The Easter Drumclair Wind Farm will have a total export capacity of 6 MW, comprising 3 MW fixed and 3 MW controlled by an advanced Network Management System. Powersystems will oversee the supply, installation, and testing of a 33 kV cable from the Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) point of connection to a point of supply. Our responsibilities also include erecting a DNO Substation, Client Substation, and installing wind farm cabling to connect two V117 3.45 MW turbines. The works will connect to the Burnhead Wind Farm Substation, with a 4 km 33 kV cable route running north via a ducted pathway to a newly constructed connection substation.
Scope of Works
Powersystems will deliver a comprehensive and high-quality package of works, ensuring precision and reliability at every stage:
33 kV Cabling
- Cable Supply and Installation-We will install 33 kV cables in compliance with BS7870-4.10 standards, using 120 mm² single-core aluminium with XLPE insulation to ensure maximum efficiency and durability.
- Cable Route Lengths
- SPEN PoS Substation to Customer Windfarm Substation: 20 metres
- Customer Windfarm Substation to Wind Turbine 1: 60 metres
- Customer Windfarm Substation to Wind Turbine 2: 520 metres
- Customer Windfarm Substation to Auxiliary Transformer: 10 metres
- Cable Testing All installed cables will undergo comprehensive testing, including HV cable continuity tests, 5 kV IR tests, and VLF testing, to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards.
33 kV Terminations
- Termination Expertise – Using Pfister connectors for the customer wind farm and SPEN point of supply 33 kV switchgear, and Tee connectors at the wind turbine base and auxiliary transformer, we ensure secure and reliable connections.
Wind Farm 33 kV Switchgear
- Switchgear Solutions – We will supply, install, test, and commission a 3-panel Ormazabal indoor 33 kV switchboard with 1250A circuit breakers, ensuring robust and reliable power distribution.
33 kV Protection & Control
- Advanced Protection Systems – Our team will install protective relays on the 33 kV switchboard, including directional overcurrent and earth fault protection, G99 protection, and SCADA control integration for enhanced operational safety and efficiency.
Additional Installations
- 110V DC Tripping Battery Charger – Supporting 33 kV switchgear operations to maintain uninterrupted functionality.
- Remote Control Panel – Enables efficient circuit breaker operations and status monitoring for seamless management.
- Fibre Optic Cables and Joints – Installation of 16-core single-mode fibre cables for SCADA integration and monitoring, ensuring real-time data communication and system oversight.
Substation and Auxiliary Systems
- 50 kVA Auxiliary Transformer – Expert installation to support substation operations with reliable auxiliary power.
- Substation Enclosure – Construction of a durable GRP enclosure to house switchgear, control systems, and the auxiliary transformer, complete with sophisticated fire and intruder alarm systems for enhanced protection and security.
Earthing and Civils Work
- Robust Earthing Systems – Implementation of comprehensive earthing solutions for turbines and substations, providing protection against lightning and electrical faults.
- Civil Engineering Excellence -Site preparation and construction of a reinforced concrete foundation for the substation enclosure, ensuring a stable and durable infrastructure.
Compliance and Commissioning
Powersystems is committed to ensuring all necessary electrical design and grid code compliance studies are meticulously conducted. This includes load flow, reactive power capability, fault level and switchgear sizing, and protection coordination. A Senior Authorised Person (SAP) will oversee the energisation and operation during commissioning, ensuring the project meets all compliance standards and operates seamlessly.
Powersystems is proud to contribute to the development of the Easter Drumclair Wind Farm, a vital project in the transition towards sustainable energy. Our expert team’s ability to deliver complex electrical infrastructure projects ensures a successful and efficient integration of renewable energy into the national grid, reinforcing our reputation as leaders in high voltage electrical engineering.
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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