WSP has a long track record of supporting our Utilities clients on transmission and distribution projects through the lifecycle, providing services from route optioneering, engineering and environmental feasibility and constraints and planning consenting support through to civil and electrical engineering design services.
Renewing the electrical grid in Scotland
The Beauly to Denny 220km 400Kv overhead transmission line is critical infrastructure, connecting renewable energy sources in the Highlands to the population in central Scotland. WSP has been supporting this project for over 8 years, providing key input into the planning process, following through to the current discharge and construction phase. Specifically WSP has provided; the environmental statement, developed an access track construction methodology, conducted environmental assessments for proposed sub-stations, provided input into the control procedures handbook, undertook transport analysis and provided construction environmental management.
Looking at the future of the UK’s transmission network
How do you bring renewable offshore power, onshore? That’s exactly what we looked at. We reviewed the National Grid’s 2009 Offshore Development Information Statement which proposes transmission network reinforcements across the East Coast to accommodate new on and offshore generators. However, there were concerns that the reinforcement strategy would not deliver sufficient capacity in the needed timeframes for the Dogger Bank project. Forewind commissioned WSP and Senergy Econnect to conduct studies on the future GB transmission network and provide alternative reinforcement solutions.
Improving design standards for the national grid
Since 2005, WSP has provided Tier 2 Civil design support to the Electricity Alliance North and is currently engaged in developing the Civil Design for the following Alliance projects: Harker Substation; West Boulden Substation Upgrade; North East Terg reinforcement works at Stella Substation, Blyth Substation, Norton Substation, Spennymoor Substation; Thurcroft Substation; Thor Brinefields Substation. Additionally we also provide representatives to the Pan-Alliance Technical Development working groups, contributing to the development of improved design standards and technical specifications for use on National grid projects.
Location, location, location - where to site two circuit lines
WSP has been commissioned by Scottish Power Transmission to undertake an Options Appraisal to identify the best environmental and technical location for two 132kV single circuit transmission lines totalling 25km in length which will connect two proposed wind farms (Ewe Hill and Newfield) in Southern Scotland to the National Grid. WSP has undertaken full Public and Stakeholder Consultation, assisted with landowner wayleave negotiations, participated in a public exhibition, and prepared an EIA, including assessment of landscape and visual effects, ecology, ornithology, hydrology, geology, transportation, forestry, agriculture and archaeology.
Assessments & recommendations for underground cables
Integral to the proposed development of the Toddleburn Wind Farm, was a commitment by Scottish Power Energy Networks to construct a new 6 km underground cable connection between the proposed wind farm and the existing wind farm at Dun Law. From Dun Law, the additional supply is to be connected to the national grid via an upgrade to the substation. The proposal takes the proposed cable route close to an existing private water supply at Hartside Farm. We assessed the potential impacts on the farm from the proposed underground cable construction and recommended mitigation measures for adoption by the cable contractor.