Complete high‑voltage Balance of Plant (BoP) and DNO grid connection for a major UK solar installation
Project Snapshot
| Project Detail | Information |
| Client | Regner8 SPV1 Ltd, in partnership with METKA‑EGN / Metlen Group |
| Location | Crimscote Solar Farm, Wimpstone, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8NW |
| Project Value | £3,517,900.00 |
| Project Duration | Contract: Dec 2023 • Construction: Oct 2024 • Energisation: Aug 2025 • Completion: Sept 2025 |
| Services | HV Electrical Infrastructure, 66 kV Grid Connection, BoP Design & Construction |
| Market Sector | Solar Farm – Renewable Energy |
| Installed Capacity | 45 MW |
| Connection Voltage | 66 kV |
| Powersystems Role | Full contestable and customer‑side HV design, construction, testing & commissioning |
| Powersystems Fact | Powersystems has delivered grid connections for solar farms exporting at 11 kV, 33 kV, 66 kV, and 132 kV, providing end‑to‑end engineering expertise for the UK’s largest renewable developers. |
Crimscote 45 MW Solar Farm Case Study
Download the full Crimscote Solar Farm Case Study — ideal for engineers, developers and technical stakeholders. This summary outlines the complete 66 kV grid connection, NGED‑adopted substation, customer‑side transformer systems, cable routes, protection, SCADA, and full programme of HV installation, testing and commissioning delivered by Powersystems. Read the insight into the engineering, civil works, environmental strategy and network integration to bring a major 45 MW solar farm into operation. It also highlights the interface management between NGED, the client and contractors, ensuring full compliance and seamless energisation. Additional sections explore biodiversity, construction logistics and the engineering decisions that shaped this nationally significant renewable development.
Client & Site Background
Regner8 SPV1 (in partnership with Metka‑EGN of Metlen Group) is a leading renewable energy developer delivering utility‑scale solar across the UK. Crimscote Solar Farm expands the region’s renewable generation capacity by 45 MW and forms a key part of the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
The site is located 6 km south of Stratford‑upon‑Avon and connects directly into the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) 66 kV network.
The Challenge
The client required a fully engineered 66 kV grid connection and HV Balance of Plant capable of:
- Exporting 45 MW to NGED via a 66 kV AIS substation
- Integrating a high‑capacity 66/33 kV 50 MVA grid transformer
- Constructing both NGED‑adopted and customer‑side HV compounds
- Delivering a 750 m 66 kV cable route
- Designing protection, control and metering systems compliant with NGED requirements
- Managing complex stakeholder interfaces
- Achieving energisation ahead of the 2025 deadline
Powersystems were appointed as the design & build contractor for all contestable and customer HV works.
Our Engineering Solution
Powersystems delivered a complete HV infrastructure package, including:
NGED (DNO‑Side) 66 kV Infrastructure
- 750 m 66 kV cable connection route
- Civil design and construction of NGED compound and control room
- AIS substation equipment including:
- 66 kV cable terminations & surge arresters
- 66 kV earth switch (1L1) & disconnectors (1L3 & 1H3A)
- 66 kV VTs
- 66 kV dead‑tank circuit breaker (CB1H0)
- Busbars, clamps & structures
- Full DNO protection & control including:
- Generator Constraint Panel
- Circuit breaker protection
- AC/DC systems
- Communications & SCADA interface
Customer‑Side 66 kV Compound
- Civil design & construction of transformer bay
- 66 kV AIS installation including:
- 66 kV disconnector & earth switch
- CVTs
- Surge arresters
- Busbars and clamps
- 200 kVA earthing transformer (ET1)
- 33 kV cable connections to the main customer switchboard
- LV, control, signal and SCADA wiring
- This fully integrated solution provided a robust, adoptable and future‑proof grid connection.
Project Process
- Early‑stage HV design, NGED approvals and route engineering
- Compound civils, transformer foundations and control building construction
- 66 kV equipment delivery and installation
- HV cable installation and termination
- Customer‑side transformer and auxiliary equipment installation
- Protection programming, wiring verification and SCADA integration
- Extensive HV commissioning, testing and safety checks
- SAP‑managed energisation (August 2025)
- Final documentation and client handover (September 2025)
Project Facts & Figures
- Installed Capacity: 45 MW
- Connection Voltage: 66 kV
- 66 kV Cabling: 750 m
- Compound Area: 59.4 hectares
- Carbon savings from solar: ~60% lower emissions than fossil fuel alternatives
- NERS Accredited ICP: Yes
Partnerships
Delivered on behalf of:
- Regner8 SPV1 Ltd
- Metka‑EGN / Metlen Group
- With HV adoption by NGED, and construction support from specialist civil and electrical partners.
Key Risks & Mitigations
- Environmental impact & biodiversity loss → Delivered wide ecological enhancements achieving 110% biodiversity net gain.
- Civil works during wet season → Sequenced access routes and stabilised platforms to maintain safe progress.
- Long‑lead procurement items → Early procurement and supply‑chain coordination avoided programme delays.
- Complex DNO interface requirements → Continuous engagement with NGED ensured swift design acceptance and adoption compliance.
- Cable route constraints → Detailed surveys and value‑engineered routing reduced civil footprint and avoided costly diversions.
Environmental Considerations
- Clean energy for ~14,000 homes
- 110% biodiversity net gain
- New habitat creation:
- 3.5 acres woodland
- 7.4 acres wild bird crop
- 0.65 acre wildlife orchard
- 16 bird & bat boxes
- Reduced construction‑phase emissions through local sourcing & efficient logistics
- Significant CO₂ avoidance over project lifespan
Economic & Social Value
- Supports wider grid capacity and renewable penetration
- Provides local employment during construction & operation
- Strengthens renewable supply chain expertise within the region
- Reinforces local infrastructure supporting long‑term energy resilience
Future Prospects
Crimscote Solar Farm now exports 45 MW of clean power into the NGED 66 kV network, supporting the UK’s renewable energy commitments and contributing toward the 2050 Net Zero target.
By delivering a high‑quality solution on time and within budget, Powersystems strengthened its position as a trusted engineering partner for utility‑scale solar developments throughout the UK.
Related Projects
- South Fambridge Solar Farm – 43.3 MW
- Corner Copse Solar Farm – 50 MW
- Tolldish Solar Solar Farm – 50 MW
- Rag Lane Solar Solar Farm – 50 MW
- Perrinpit Solat Solar Farm – 50 MW
Powersystems provide high voltage grid connections and Electrical Balance of Plant solutions for solar, wind and flexible generation projects across the UK.
Speak to our engineering experts today.