Delivering 132 kV substation works, HV cabling, protection & SCADA for a major Scottish onshore wind development
Project Snapshot
| Client | Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd / Ørsted |
| Location | Kennoxhead Wind Farm, near Douglas, South Lanarkshire, ML12 6SX |
| Project Value | £18 million |
| Duration | 2020 – 2022 |
| Market Sector | Onshore Wind – Renewables |
| Services Delivered | Full Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) |
| Powersystems Fact | Powersystems has connected over 24% of the UK’s wind farms. Kennoxhead marks another successful collaboration with Jones Bros and Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd. |
Kennoxhead 62.4 MW Wind Farm Case Study
Download the full Kennoxhead Wind Farm Case Study to explore how Powersystems delivered the complete Electrical Balance of Plant for this 62.4 MW onshore development in South Lanarkshire. The PDF provides a clear overview of our 132 kV substation installation, transformer and switchgear works, nearly 80,000 m of HV cabling, protection panel design, SCADA integration and full commissioning activities. Ideal for engineers, developers and stakeholders seeking deeper technical insight into a subsidy‑free renewable energy project that transforms former mining land into clean generation supporting Scotland’s net‑zero goals.
Client & Site Background
Kennoxhead Wind Farm represents a significant step in Scotland’s clean‑energy transition. Developed by Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd (in partnership with Ørsted), the wind farm contributes directly to Scotland’s renewable targets and the UK’s net‑zero strategy.
Built on a former coal mining area, Kennoxhead reflects a powerful transition from fossil fuel dependency to large‑scale renewable electricity generation. Once fully operational, the site provides 62.4 MW of clean energy, generating enough to power over 38,000 Scottish homes, while also supporting regional economic growth through local contracting and infrastructure investment.
Powersystems was appointed as the Electrical Balance of Plant contractor, responsible for design, installation, testing, commissioning and energisation of the full electrical infrastructure required to export power to the national grid.
The Challenge
The Kennoxhead project required Powersystems to:
- Deliver a complete 132 kV substation and HV infrastructure package
- Engineer grid‑compliant protection and SCADA systems
- Install nearly 80,000 metres of HV cabling across a large rural footprint
- Interface closely with SP Energy Networks (SPEN) for 132 kV overhead line connection
- Work on complex terrain with legacy coal infrastructure
- Maintain tight programme controls across multiple contractors
- Support a subsidy‑free development model with high efficiency and value requirements
Our Engineering Solution
Powersystems delivered a full end‑to‑end EBoP solution, combining high‑voltage, low‑voltage, protection, control, communications and civil interface workstreams.
132 kV Substation Works
- Complete 132 kV substation installation
- Protection and control panels (designed, built, installed, tested and commissioned)
- 70 MVA 132/33 kV grid transformer
- 132 kV earthing grid and HV equipment
- Interfaces for SPEN’s 132 kV overhead line connection
33 kV and Balance of Plant Systems
- 33 kV switchboard installation
- 13 km of turbine array HV cabling
- LVAC, communications, protection and SCADA cabling
- Substation lighting, HVAC, fire detection and small‑power systems
- Full compound earthing for turbines and substation
Additional Electrical Works
- Installation of 7 × 3.5 MVA 33/0.4 kV transformers
- Bunded transformer bases
- Control and protection cabling infrastructure
- Substation building fit‑out (CCTV, intruder alarm, lighting, telecoms)
Project Process
- 2020 — Site preparation, access tracks and civil works commence
- Oct 2020 – Mar 2021 — Internal access track construction
- Spring 2021 — Public road upgrade along Glentaggart Road
- July 2021 — Completion of turbine and infrastructure foundations
- Late 2021 — Turbine delivery and erection
- 2021–2022 — HV cabling, substation equipment installation, SCADA build
- First half 2022 — Final commissioning works by Powersystems
- 2022 — Full energisation and export capability achieved
Project Facts & Figures
- 13 Nordex 4.8 MW turbines
- 174 MW installed capacity
- 62.4 MW export capacity (Phase 1)
- 70 MVA 132/33 kV transformer
- 150 m 132 kV cable route
- Nearly 80,000 m of HV cable installed
- 33 kV switchboard and control systems
- 132 kV connection via SPEN overhead line
Technical Specifications
132 kV HV Systems
- 132 kV substation platform installation
- Grid transformer (70 MVA)
- 132 kV busbars, disconnectors, surge arresters and earthing systems
- Full 132 kV protection scheme
- Interface to SPEN OHL connection
33 kV Infrastructure
- 33 kV power and array cabling
- Turbine earthing systems
- LVAC and auxiliary systems
- SCADA fibre network and control panels
LV, Communications & Controls
- Full building fit‑out: lighting, power, HVAC, CCTV, fire alarms
- Communications and fibre‑optic networks
- Control & signal wiring
- Protection & SCADA integration
Partnerships
- Brookfield Renewable UK Ltd / Ørsted — Client and developer
- Jones Bros Civil Engineering — Civil works contractor
- Kenda Electronic Systems — Protection panel design support
- SP Energy Networks (SPEN) — 132 kV grid connection provider
- Powersystems — EBoP contractor
Key Risks & Mitigations
- Complex former mining landscape – Mitigation: Ground condition assessment, reinforced trenching and stable cable routes.
- 132 kV energisation challenges – Mitigation: Detailed interface planning with SPEN and staged testing.
- Remote, high‑exposure terrain – Mitigation: Weather‑resilient construction and scheduling.
- Complex protection & SCADA integration – Mitigation: In‑house panel design, FAT/SAT processes and thorough commissioning.
Environmental Considerations
- Avoidance of sensitive habitats during cable works
- Visual and noise mitigation for local communities
- Restoration of disturbed land to original or improved state
- Supports Scotland’s clean‑energy and net‑zero targets
- Built on former coal mining land — a transition from fossil fuel economy to renewables
Economic & Community Value
- Annual community benefit funding of £3,500 per MW
- Local job creation and supply‑chain involvement
- Enhanced regional infrastructure
- Long‑term contribution to stable, low‑carbon energy pricing
- Community liaison groups ensuring open dialogue and engagement
Future Prospects
Kennoxhead Wind Farm strengthens Ørsted’s and Brookfield’s renewable energy portfolio and reinforces Powersystems as a leading partner for large‑scale onshore wind developments.
The project demonstrates Powersystems’ capability to deliver major HV infrastructure in challenging terrains while coordinating effectively with national grid operators.
Related Projects
- South Kyle 240 MW
- Limekiln 108 MW
- North Kyle 212 MW
- Sandy Knowe 86.4 MW
- Crystal Rig IV 49.1 MW
Delivering a 132 kV wind farm extension or major EBoP project?
Powersystems provides complete HV infrastructure delivery — from design and protection to commissioning and energisation — for utility‑scale renewable energy developments.