Kilmarnock substation upgrade supports greener grid
$11.3 M investment improves resilience and supports clean energy transition in East Ayrshire.
Image credit: SP Energy Networks
UK, Scotland, East Ayrshire: SP Energy Networks has completed a $11.3 M (£8.4 M) upgrade of the Kilmarnock Town substation, aimed at increasing capacity and improving the resilience of the electricity network in East Ayrshire.
The UK’s electricity demand is projected to double by 2050, with a growing reliance on electricity for heating, transport, and daily activities. The substation upgrade is designed to accommodate more locally generated renewable power and enable its integration into the wider grid, supporting the shift toward cleaner energy use.
The project began in March 2023 and involved replacing two aging transformers as well as modernizing critical infrastructure, including switchgear and circuit breakers that had reached the end of their service life.
This upgrade enhances the substation’s ability to meet future energy requirements, contributing to a more stable and reliable power supply for nearby communities. It also supports national objectives for a zero-carbon power system by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Jason McInally, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, stated that the work strengthens the region’s capacity to manage increased energy loads and contributes to the broader effort of renewable energy distribution across the UK.
The project was completed with minimal disruption to residents and is part of broader efforts to reinforce the UK’s transmission infrastructure, ensuring long-term energy security and enabling economic growth.
Source: SP Energy Networks
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