Powersystems are proud to announce the completion of the Sneddon Law Community Wind Farm. This landmark project, finalised at the end of January 2024, is a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, providing clean, green electricity to the region. Located 5 km north of Galston and adjacent to the Whitelee Wind Farm, Sneddon Law adds to Scotland’s growing renewable energy portfolio.
Project Overview
After more than five years in development since receiving planning approval, the Sneddon Law Community Wind Farm is now complete and poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to the local area and Scotland. This project marks a significant milestone in the region’s transition to renewable energy, offering both immediate and long-term advantages during its operation.
The Sneddon Law Wind Farm comprises of 15 Vestas wind turbines, each with a generating capacity of 2 MW, culminating in a total installed capacity of 30 MW. The project is strategically divided into two arrays—one in the south and another in the north of the site—connected to a 33 kV substation located at the southern end. This infrastructure feeds into the local SPEN 33 kV network, ensuring efficient electricity distribution.
Scope of Works
The Sneddon Law Wind Farm project required a comprehensive approach to electrical infrastructure design and construction to successfully integrate the 15 wind turbines into the local power grid. The following key tasks were undertaken to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
- Conducting Electrical Design Studies for HV and LV Systems
Detailed electrical design studies were carried out for both high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) systems to ensure that the infrastructure would meet performance and safety standards. These studies involved analysing electrical load requirements, grid compatibility, and system reliability to optimise the design for efficient energy distribution - Installing 33 kV Cables Across the Site and Connecting to SPEN’s Network
The installation of 33 kV underground cables was a crucial task to connect the turbines to the main grid. These cables form the backbone of the wind farm’s electrical infrastructure, allowing the generated power to be transmitted efficiently to SP Energy Networks (SPEN) for distribution. This process involved careful planning and execution to manage the site’s challenging terrain and ensure minimal environmental impact - Implementing 33 kV Jointing and Terminations, Along with Fiber Optic Installations
The jointing and termination of 33kV cables involved connecting different sections of the cables and securing them at their endpoints to ensure uninterrupted power flow. Additionally, fiber optic cables were installed to enable robust communication and data transmission between various components of the wind farm, facilitating monitoring and control operations - Supplying, Installing, and Commissioning 33 kV Switchgear Within the Client’s Switch Room
Switchgear is critical for controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical equipment. The installation and commissioning of 33 kV switchgear involved setting up devices that manage power flow within the wind farm and between the wind farm and the grid. This equipment ensures safe operation by protecting the system from overloads and faults - Completing LV Fit-Out of the Substation, Including the SPEN Room
The low voltage fit-out of the substation included installing equipment and infrastructure necessary for managing power at lower voltages. This phase also involved preparing the SPEN room, which houses equipment used by SP Energy Networks to interface with the wind farm. The fit-out ensured that all components were properly integrated and functional - Cabling for Control and SCADA Systems Between SPEN, Client Switchgear, and Vestas Equipment
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems play a vital role in monitoring and controlling wind farm operations. This task involved installing and connecting cables for control systems that facilitate communication between SPEN, the client’s switchgear, and Vestas turbines. The SCADA systems enable remote operation, real-time data analysis, and performance optimisation. - Installing Earthing Systems Throughout the Wind Farm and Substation Compound
Proper earthing is essential for the safety and stability of the electrical infrastructure. This task involved installing earthing systems to provide a safe path for electrical faults, protecting both equipment and personnel. Earthing ensures that any excess electrical energy is safely dissipated into the ground, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and equipment damage.
These complex tasks were successfully completed through the collaborative efforts of Powersystems, RJ McLeod, and Community Wind Power, overcoming challenges posed by the site’s peaty conditions. The project’s execution demonstrates a commitment to innovation and excellence in renewable energy development.
Project Milestones
The Sneddon Law Community Wind Farm project has progressed through several key phases of development, each marked by meticulous planning and execution to ensure the successful completion of the project.
- Early December 2022 The project began with the fit-out of the SPEN 33 kV switch room, installing small power and lighting to facilitate the early January installation of the SPEN 33 kV switchgear.
- Early February 2023 Powersystems installation teams returned to perform additional small power and lighting work in the remaining rooms of the joint substation building, ensuring all areas were properly equipped.
- Mid-March 2023 Installation of the 33 kV cabling for Array 2 commenced. Despite the challenging peaty conditions throughout the site, the work was completed efficiently through the collaborative efforts of Powersystems, RJ McLeod, and the client.
- June 2023 The installation of earth mats around the turbines was nearly finished, with 13 out of the 15 earth mats completed and backfilled, providing essential grounding for the turbines.
- End of July 2023 With the turbine bases for Array 1 poured, earthed, and backfilled, cabling for Array 1 was set to begin, marking a significant step forward in the construction timeline.
- Mid-July 2023 The 5-panel 3kV Schneider WS switchboard was fully installed and commissioned within the client switch room. At the same time, all multicore communications and control cabling was installed and underwent final commissioning by Powersystems engineers.
- July 17, 2023 Energisation from the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO), SPEN, was completed. The 33 kV terminations within the turbines were scheduled for late July, with the energisation of Array 2 anticipated by mid-August.
- August 2023 The 4MVAR STATCOM unit, delivered from Spain, awaited final connections by commissioning engineers to prepare for its energisation.
- End of January 2024 All onsite work was successfully completed, marking the end of a complex and transformative project that has set a benchmark for future renewable energy projects in Scotland.
Environmental Benefits
The Sneddon Law Wind Farm is expected to produce enough electricity to power approximately 29,600 homes annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions. By displacing around 50,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, the project contributes to Scotland’s ambitious carbon reduction targets and global environmental goals.
Economic Benefits
The economic impact of the Sneddon Law Community Wind Farm extends beyond energy production. Community Wind Power has committed to providing annual community benefit funding equivalent to £2,500 per MW of installed capacity. This funding amounts to £112,500 annually, resulting in £2,812,500 over the wind farm’s 25-year operational life. These funds will support local projects and initiatives, enhancing community development.
Furthermore, the project has involved over 150 staff during construction, including local suppliers, and has reinforced Community Wind Power’s commitment to the Scottish supply chain. The project is expected to inject over £50 million into the local economy through construction jobs and related spending, while business rates and rents are projected to exceed £25 million throughout the wind farm’s lifetime.
A Commitment to Renewable Energy
The successful completion of the Sneddon Law Community Wind Farm underscores Community Wind Power’s dedication to renewable energy development in Scotland. As a project of national importance, it demonstrates the potential for wind energy to provide sustainable and economic benefits to local communities while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future
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
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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.
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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.
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