High-voltage engineering, civil infrastructure and EBoP delivery for a 43.3 MW solar farm in Essex
Project Snapshot
| Project Detail | Information |
| Client | BayWa r.e. |
| Location | South Fambridge, Rochford, Essex |
| Project Value | £6 million |
| Duration | Mobilisation: Oct 2024 • Energisation: Oct 2025 • Handover: Dec 2025 |
| Scope | Electrical Infrastructure, EBoP, Civil Engineering, ICP Works, HDD Under Highway, Highways Works |
| Market Sector | Solar Generation |
| Installed Capacity | 43.3 MW AC |
| Connection Voltage | 132 kV |
| Powersystems Role | Principal Contractor & Independent Connection Provider (ICP) |
| Powersystems Fact: | Powersystems has delivered high-voltage grid connections for some of the UK’s largest solar projects, providing safe, efficient and resilient infrastructure that supports the UK’s transition to clean energy. |
South Fambridge Hall 43.3 Solar Farm Case Study
Download the full South Fambridge Hall Solar Case Study — ideal for engineers, developers and technical stakeholders. This summary provides a concise overview of the 132 kV grid connection, EBoP delivery, civil works, protection design and commissioning undertaken by Powersystems for the 43.3 MW solar farm, including major equipment specifications, design studies and integration with UK Power Networks.
Client & Site Background
BayWa r.e. is a global renewable energy leader delivering utility-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects. The South Fambridge Hall Solar Farm was acquired in 2022 and is delivered through an SPV owned by Octopus Energy.
The project forms part of a wider 222 MWp UK portfolio delivered through the BayWa r.e.–Octopus partnership, further strengthening national investment in renewable generation.
The Challenge
BayWa r.e. required a full 132 kV grid connection and Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP) infrastructure to support a large 43.3 MW solar installation spanning 70 hectares. Key challenges included:
- Constructing a new 132 kV substation as part of contestable works for UK Power Networks (UKPN).
- Delivering a 330 m 132 kV underground cable route from the new substation to an existing overhead line.
- Managing complex highway HDD installations and local authority requirements.
- Ensuring all works remained compliant with UKPN, DNO and regulatory standards.
- Maintaining programme delivery through archaeological monitoring and constrained access periods.
Our Engineering Solution
Powersystems designed, installed, tested and commissioned all major electrical and civil infrastructure, including:
- Full 132 kV AIS substation build and compound civils.
- 60 MVA 132/33 kV grid transformer installation and integrated protection schemes.
- New DNO control room, SCADA integration and auxiliary systems.
- 5‑panel Schneider CBGS‑0 33 kV switchboard and all associated LV, control and communication cabling.
- 132 kV disconnectors, CT/VT units, steelwork, surge arrestors and busbar systems.
- Private-side substation compound, access road and on-site drainage systems.
- Three 33 kV feeders connecting solar generation into the new substation.
The electrical design provided a robust, future‑proofed connection with optimised efficiency, safety and long-term operational resilience.
Project Process
- Early-stage design, civil engineering and regulatory studies
- Full HV and LV electrical design and protection coordination
- Substation construction, compound build and cable route installation
- 330 m of 132 kV cable installation via trenching and HDD
- Installation of transformers, switchgear, protection and SCADA
- LV distribution and balance-of-plant integration
- Hot and cold commissioning of all HV/LV systems
- 132 kV energisation and final handover
Project Facts & Figures
- Installed Capacity: 43.3 MW
- Connection Voltage: 132 kV
- 132 kV Cable Installed: 330 m
- Grid Transformers: 1 × 60 MVA
- Auxiliary Transformers: 1
- 132 kV Substations: 1
- NERS Accredited ICP Works
- Site Footprint: ~70 hectares
Technical Specifications
132 kV Primary Systems
- 132/33 kV 60 MVA grid transformer
- 145 kV clean air live tank circuit breaker
- 132 kV CTs, CVTs and surge arrestors
- Steel support structures and busbars
- Disconnectors and earth switches
- 132 kV underground cable – 330 m
- DNO control room and auxiliary supplies
33 kV and LV Systems
- Schneider CBGS‑0 5‑panel switchboard
- 33/0.415 kV auxiliary/earthing transformer
- LV distribution and lighting systems
- Control, communication and multicore cabling
- SCADA interfacing and integration
Design Studies
- Protection coordination
- Fault level analysis
- Load flow modelling
- Harmonic analysis
- Lightning risk assessment
- Earthing and step/touch potential
- Short circuit calculations
- Geotechnical and civil reports
- Cable sizing and thermal studies
Client Testimonial
Dear All,
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at BayWa, Powersystems, and UKPN for your collective effort in successfully energising the South Fambridge Solar Farm late on Thursday evening.
Despite the initial delay, the way in which you applied both ingenuity and determination ensured that the project avoided what could have been a much longer impact to energisation. This outcome is a testament to the professionalism, skill, and commitment demonstrated across all teams involved.
Your hard work has delivered a critical milestone for the project, and it is very much appreciated. Please pass on my gratitude to all those who contributed to making this possible.
With thanks and appreciation,
Dave, Octopus Energy Generation
Partnerships
The project was delivered through strong collaboration between:
- BayWa r.e. (Client)
- Ground Utilities Limited
- EHV Structures
- UK Power Networks (UKPN)
- Powersystems (Principal Contractor & ICP)
Powersystems’ nationwide experience with all DNOs ensured seamless coordination and regulatory compliance.
Environmental Impact
- Generates 43.3 MW of clean electricity
- Powers approximately 15,000 homes annually
- Supports UK climate targets with significant CO₂ displacement
- Delivers 142% biodiversity net gain through meadows, hedgerows, habitat creation and ecological enhancements
- Protects species including birds, newts, water voles and bats
Economic & Social Value
- £50,000 community benefit funding for local initiatives
- Reduced construction impact through planned delivery windows
- Community engagement sessions ensuring transparency
- Positive support from local authorities for sustainable land use
- Long-term economic uplift through clean energy infrastructure and local employment
The Results
South Fambridge Hall Solar was energised in October 2025, completed on time and within budget.
The project strengthens the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, supports national climate objectives, and demonstrates a highly successful collaboration between Powersystems and BayWa r.e.
Related Projects
- Corner Copse Solar
- Crimscote Solar
- Tolldish Solar
- Rag Lane Solar
- Perrinpit Solar
Delivering the UK’s renewable future through specialist high-voltage engineering.
Powersystems provides complete high‑voltage design, installation, protection, SCADA and commissioning for large‑scale renewable developments.