SP Energy Networks spends GBP 20m on grid upgrade in South Lanarkshire

UK transmission and distribution network operator SP Energy Networks said today it has committed nearly GBP 20 million (USD 25.9m/EUR 23.4m) to upgrade the electricity grid in South Lanarkshire and in doing so to facilitate the integration of renewables in the region.

A GBP-11-million portion of the sum is being directed toward the installation of two new transformers at Elvanfoot and some other network infrastructure improvements. The upgrades are done by specialist contractors, including Kolektor, RJ McLeod and Kirby Engineering. This project is expected to be finalised by the last quarter of 2024.

In a separate GBP-7-million project, which has already been completed, a collector substation was installed at the Brokencross Wind Farm to allow its output to be distributed into the wider network. The upgrade enables the connection of 10 new wind turbines to the Coalburn Grid Substation.

In addition, SP Energy Networks is proposing the construction of a new high-voltage grid substation near the Coalburn Substation, located south of Lesmahagow. This new development, named Coalburn North, will provide more renewable energy to local communities.

“We are delighted to announce a significant investment in South Lanarkshire's energy infrastructure to boost renewable energy and support the uptake of green technologies, like heat pumps and electric vehicles,” said Pearse Murray, director at the SP Transmission subsidiary.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.295/EUR 1.173)

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