Powersystems, high voltage electrical engineering specialist team proudly announces that it has been awarded the contract for the electrical works package at the Kirk Hill Wind Farm in Ayrshire, Scotland. The contract, granted by Principal Contractor Knights Brown, highlights Powersystems’ dedication to delivering cutting-edge and sustainable energy solutions. This 20 MW wind farm, located near Kirkoswald in Ayrshire, Scotland, marks a significant milestone in the region’s renewable energy efforts.
About Kirk Hill Wind Farm
The Kirk Hill Wind Farm, situated south of Ayr on the West Ayrshire coast, will feature eight turbines, each rated at 2.5 MW. With planning permission granted in October 2020, the project reflects the area’s rich literary heritage, being the backdrop for Robert Burns’ poem, Tam O’Shanter. The site offers picturesque views of Ailsa Craig, known for its curling stones.
Powersystems Project Scope
The project scope includes the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the electrical works infrastructure for all eight turbines. This involves the installation of 33kV switchgear, as well as all necessary cable work and testing to connect the wind farm to the Scottish Power network via a new substation.
Ripple Energy’s Kirk Hill wind farm, developed by ESB, represents a significant cooperative venture, co-owned by 5,600 public and small business members who collectively raised £13.2 million in 2022. Co-investment from Bruntwood further supports this green energy initiative. Ripple Energy anticipates that nearly £3 million generated from this site will be directed to local community projects, including the Dailly Community Development Trust and the North Carrick Community Benefit Company.
Kirk Hill Wind Farm Project Update
- February 2023 – Off-site road widening works
- April 2023 – Foundation pours
- May 2023 – On-site roads all completed
- July 2023 – Turbine deliveries
- August 2023 – Grid connection works
- September 2023 – Substation buildings completed
- October 2023 – Grid connection communication works
- December 2023 – Connection protection works
- Early 2024 – Energisation and final commissioning of turbines
Chris Jenkins, Managing Director of Powersystems, stated, “We are thrilled to again partner with Knights Brown and Ripple Energy on this pivotal renewable energy project, which will further Scotland’s green energy goals and is expected to power over 20,000 households with green electricity. The project will offset 31.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability”.
Powersystems will manage the 33 kV grid route, and grid connections, with completion and full commissioning expected in early 2024.
Environmental Benefits
Once operational, in the first half of 2024, the wind farm is expected to power over 20,000 households with green electricity and offset 31.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Economic Benefits
The new Ayrshire wind farm will be part owned by more than 5,600 households both locally and throughout Great Britain, together with 19 SME businesses and commercial property investor and developer Bruntwood.
As part of building the UK carbon free future, Powersystems proudly support the design, installation, and commissioning of climate restoration technologies with connectivity in all renewable sectors.
Powersystems are powering the UK to a green recovery, with 6 GW of installed green energy as they play their part helping to decarbonise the National Grid.
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.