Kintore Substation is the world’s first 400kv green gas for grid (G3) substation and Farrans is the main contractor delivering this project.
Client
Omexom UK and SSEN Transmission
The Project:
Farrans is constructing a new 400kV (G3) substation at Kintore as part of our client’s plans to upgrade their network in the east of Scotland from 275kV to 400kV, including the design, civil engineering works, installation of the GIS switchgear and all associated primary equipment as well as the diversion of both overhead and underground cable circuits. The site is designed to facilitate the increasing levels of renewable generation in the region. The design phase of the contract commenced in March 2021 with construction beginning in June 2021 through to 2026. The new, innovative clean gas technology will result in a reduction of emissions equivalent to removing 138,000 cars from our roads for one year when compared to traditional substation gas technology. It will facilitate the connection of new renewable electricity to the National Grid and will also help control the flow of energy across the North East, helping transport renewable electricity to where it’s needed, supporting the transition to net zero emissions and the fight against climate change.
Services & Expertise:
Not only will this project enable more renewable energy to be integrated in the UK grid energy mix, its innovative substation will also achieve a great reduction of emissions and could pave the way for new SF6 free 400kV substations up and down the country. The substation has been developed in line with SSEN Transmission’s sustainability strategy, with biodiversity considerations helping to inform every stage of the project lifecycle. SSEN Transmission has committed that the project will be constructed with ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity and ecosystems, ensuring that surrounding environment is left ‘no worse off’, whilst actively seeking opportunities to improve the areas bio-diversity. Kintore substation will be the first of its kind to use fully Green Gas for Grid (g3) technology at 400kV and marks a key milestone on our journey to building a network for net zero. Work on the substation is scheduled to commence in June 2021 and is expected to take approximately 2 years to complete phase 1, with phase 2 completing in 2026 with energisation of the 400kV upgrade of the East Coast transmission network.