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Powersystems Secures Electrical Works at 37.2 MW Strathrory Wind Farm

August 6, 2024

The Strathrory Wind Farm is a fully consented, construction-ready onshore wind farm located in the Scottish Highlands. Developed by Energiekontor AG and funded by Capital Dynamics, the project is expected to reach commercial operation in mid-2025.

Planning permission was granted in August 2023, and the wind farm is poised to deliver approximately 100,000 MWh of clean energy annually from late 2025. This development is part of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Yorkshire Water, which provides water and sewerage services to over five million people and 100,000 businesses in the Yorkshire region. The electricity generated by Strathrory will supply approximately 17% of Yorkshire Water’s annual power needs, aiding in its pledge to achieve carbon net zero by 2030.

Powersystems is proud to contribute to increasing Scotland’s independence from fossil fuels and helping achieve its ambitious target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to avoid 0.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime and generate enough electricity to power over 8,000 homes per year.

The project is for the Installation of 7 turbines, with 4 rated at 5.7 MW and 3 at 4.8 MW, for a total capacity of 36 MW.

Powersystems will oversee the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the electrical infrastructure for the wind farm’s turbines. The scope of work includes:

  • Electrical Balance of Plant with full design responsibility to meet client and turbine supplier requirements, including all necessary documentation and studies.
  • 33 kV System – establishing infrastructure at the Point of Common Connection (POCC) within the local substation, incorporating metering equipment supplied by the client.
  • Cables and Terminations – installation of aluminium single-core 33 kV cables, arranged in trefoil formation and laid in trenches. The work will also involve testing for HV cable continuity, insulation resistance, sheath integrity, and VLF testing.
  • Switchgear and Protection – Installation of a 4-panel switchboard with protection relays to ensure system integrity and compliance with engineering standards.
  • Battery and Control Systems: – Installation of a 110 V DC battery charger, remote control panel, and emergency trip systems.
  • Substation Works – Implementation of a 50 KVA auxiliary transformer for LV supply, along with lighting, power supplies, SCADA equipment, and fire and intruder alarms.
  • Control and Monitoring – Installation of interface panels for signal transmission between turbines, SCADA, and substation switchgear, along with a power quality meter.
  • Fibre Optic System – Deployment of a 16-core fibre optic cable system for communication between turbines and SCADA.
  • Electrical Design and Compliance – Review and support for compliance studies, including load flow, reactive power capability, harmonics, and earthing design.
  • Commissioning and Operation – Supervised energisation by a Senior Authorised Person (SAP), with compliance testing and operation under safety rules.

This extensive scope of work underscores Powersystems’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge electrical solutions for the Strathrory Wind Farm, supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy.

The Strathrory Wind Farm represents a crucial addition to the UK’s renewable energy landscape, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to a greener future and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

Powersystems, alongside RJ McLeod, is proud to contribute to this effort, embodying a harmonious blend of engineering excellence and a commitment to sustainable progress. Powersystems looks forward to delivering this project with the dedication and expertise that have become their hallmark, enhancing the landscape of Scotland’s renewable energy future.


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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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