UKPN Completes Major Network Upgrade in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

I just read an exciting update on the completion of significant network upgrades by UK Power Networks (UKPN) and ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN). Here’s a summary of the key developments:

UKPN Completes Major Network Upgrade in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

UKPN has successfully launched a major upgrade project for the electricity network in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. This project, which started in 2018, represents one of the region’s largest infrastructure investments in years. The improvements include:

• Enhanced power reliability and capacity for 190,000 properties across Cambridge, Bedford, and St Neots.
• Installation of new 132,000-volt underground cables spanning 2.5km between Little Barford and Eaton Socon.
• Rerouting of overhead power lines and installation of new towers.
• Use of directional drilling to minimise environmental impact.

This collaborative effort with Kier, Wood, and Morrison Energy Services is designed to future-proof local power supplies and facilitate the integration of low-carbon electricity generation.

SPEN Completes ￡9.5 Million Ayrshire Upgrade

SPEN has also wrapped up a ￡9.5 million upgrade of overhead powerlines in Ayrshire, aligning with Scotland’s goal to achieve net zero by 2045. Key highlights of this project include:

• Comprehensive rewiring and steel works on 29 towers over more than five miles, connecting Chipperlaigan and Ayr substations.
• Modernisation of the 275 kV double circuit overhead line, originally constructed in 1966, to support the growing demand for green energy solutions.

Pearse Murray, SP Transmission Director at SP Energy Networks, emphasised the importance of this upgrade in enabling a modern and resilient electricity network. This project is crucial for supporting green energy initiatives, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, in Ayrshire.

Kudos to both UKPN and SPEN for these substantial upgrades, which are essential steps towards a more reliable and sustainable energy future!

#Energy #Infrastructure #Sustainability #NetZero #UKPowerNetworks #ScottishPowerEnergyNetworks #GreenEnergy