Powersystems HV, specialist electrical engineers, are delighted to announce that they have been awarded the contract for the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) works at the Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm. This appointment comes from the principal contractor, RJ McLeod, who brings their extensive expertise to the project on behalf of Fred. Olsen Renewables. Powersystems is honoured to be part of this significant renewable energy project, contributing to Scotland’s green energy future.
Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm A Major Renewable Energy Project
The Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm is an extension of the existing Crystal Rig site, which is located in the picturesque Lammermuir Hills, south of Dunbar in East Lothian and north-west of Duns in the Scottish Borders.
This new phase will add 11 wind turbine generators (WTGs) to the existing site, with a total site generation capacity of 48.2 MW.
Powersystems will undertake the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the electrical works infrastructure for these turbines, ensuring all activities comply with all relevant standards and regulations. Their work will include:
- Conducting comprehensive studies
- Relocating existing plant and equipment to facilitate the new substation and compound area for Crystal Rig IV
- Installing a new 132 kV hybrid circuit breaker with metering
- Extending existing 132 kV overhead busbars to connect new equipment
- Laying a new 33 kV underground cable to the new Crystal Rig IV substation
- Building a new 132/33 kV substation with an associated 33kV switchboard
- Developing protection systems and a switchyard, including a main transformer (132/33 kV, 60 MVA) and auxiliary equipment
- Installing 33 kV cables and an earthing system
- Implementing the HV Substation SCADA system
- Overseeing energisation and commissioning of the system
An Important Contribution to Renewable Energy
Crystal Rig IV will connect to the 132 kV Crystal Rig II Substation, becoming a vital component of the site’s renewable energy generation. The power generated by the WTGs will be transformed to 33 kV and transported by underground cables to an on-site 33/132 kV substation, where it will then pass to the Scottish Power Transmission Ltd. (SPTL) – owned Crystal Rig grid substation at 132kV, eventually joining the GB Transmission System.
The Crystal Rig Wind Farm first began operations in 2003 with 25 turbines. By 2025, it will feature a total of 102 turbines, generating over 260 MW of clean, green electricity—enough to power 200,000 homes.
Powersystems’ Continued Partnership with Fred. Olsen Renewables
Powersystems is thrilled to continue their successful collaboration with Fred. Olsen Renewables, having previously worked on the Crystal Rig II wind farm. The contract for the 138 MW Crystal Rig II project, awarded in 2008, was completed on time and within budget in 2010. This history of effective partnership exemplifies the mutual commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.
Fred. Olsen Renewables: Leading the Charge for Economic and Environmental Benefits
Fred. Olsen Renewables, a pioneer in the renewable energy sector, continues to make significant contributions to the Scottish economy. A recent economic impact report, based on an analysis by Stantec, highlights that Fred. Olsen Renewables’ operations have provided £465 million to the Scottish economy, alongside supporting 866 full-time equivalent jobs through the construction, operation, and maintenance of their projects.
In addition, Fred. Olsen Renewables has committed £14.6 million in community benefit funds over the lifespan of their wind farms, supporting local communities and fostering sustainable development.
The Crystal Rig IV project alone will deliver an annual community benefit fund of £240,000 (index linked), totalling over £8 million to communities in East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.
Looking Forward to a Sustainable Future
The Crystal Rig IV Wind Farm marks another milestone in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, playing a pivotal role in achieving climate goals and energy security. Powersystems, alongside Fred. Olsen Renewables and RJ McLeod, is proud to contribute to this effort, embodying a harmonious blend of engineering excellence and a commitment to sustainable progress. As Fred. Olsen Renewables continues to champion renewable energy, Powersystems looks forward to delivering this project with the dedication and expertise that has become their hallmark, enhancing the landscape of Scotland’s renewable energy future
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems.
- 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
Powersystems is a leading high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 47 years of experience. Renowned for its expertise and reliability, Powersystems has become a trusted provider of design, installation, and commissioning services for electrical infrastructure and grid connections across the UK.
As the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems has been delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV for 27 years.
Since 2000, Powersystems has successfully connected over 6.1 gigawatts of renewable energy to the UK electricity grid. Our projects span many sectors from onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, tidal and hydroelectric power, electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as generation installations for short-term operating reserves (STOR), combined heat and power (CHP), grid stability initiatives such as rotating stabilisers, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and commercial industrial private wire networks.
In collaboration with partners, Powersystems has connected 30% of all onshore wind farms in the UK, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy capacity to collectively work towards a sustainable future to help the UK achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our integrated management systems, which are ISO accredited, and our rigorous approach to health and safety under the ‘Priority No.1’ brand, ensuring best practices across the industry.
Powersystems UK Ltd. is an employee-owned business that values the well-being of its employees, fostering an environment where innovation is encouraged, and everyone is empowered to share ideas and contribute to the company’s success.
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