SP Energy Networks has announced an investment of almost £20 million for the modernisation of South Lanarkshire's electricity network and expand opportunities for renewable energy in the region.

This significant investment includes key projects at Brokencross Wind Farm, Elvanfoot substation and a proposal for a new high-voltage grid substation, Coalburn North. The projects aim to help harness South Lanarkshire's abundant wind resources by providing the infrastructure needed to connect and support more renewable generation in the area and accommodate the rising demand for green technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps for local customers.

SP Energy Networks has recently invested £11 million into Elvanfoot Substation to improve network infrastructure and increase opportunities for clean energy generation. This investment includes the introduction of new technology, such as the installation of two new transformers to efficiently manage and distribute electricity generated by wind power. These upgrades, carried out by specialist contractors, including Kolektor, RJ McLeod and Kirby Engineering, are on track for completion by the last quarter of 2024.

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The leading energy network provider has also successfully completed a £7 million upgrade to its substation at Brokencross Wind Farm. As part of this initiative, SP Energy Networks installed a collector substation, which takes wind-generated energy and feeds it into the wider network. This upgrade will harness the power generated by 10 new wind turbines and channel it into Coalburn Grid Substation, providing energy to power up to 50,000 homes each year.

Recognising the increased demand for renewable connections in the area, SP Energy Networks is also proposing the construction of a new high voltage grid substation near the existing Coalburn Substation, located south of Lesmahagow. This new development, named 'Coalburn North', will be essential for bringing more renewable energy to local communities, providing a cleaner, more reliable power supply.

As part of the planning process, SP Energy Networks' planning officers and members of the project team held consultation events in the village of Coalburn. These drop-in sessions provided the local community with detailed information about the new substation proposal, offering opportunities for comments and feedback.

Pearse Murray, SP Transmission Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "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.

"The completion of our Brokencross Wind Farm connection project marks a major milestone in our journey in the area. This initiative, alongside our other local projects, promises substantial benefits for the local community. It will ensure a more secure energy supply regardless of network demand and support the local adoption of renewable energy. We want to thank the community for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout these projects and look forward to seeing the tangible benefits as they come to fruition."

The project aligns with SP Energy Networks' commitment to ensuring energy security for the UK, supporting job creation, the supply chain, and the broader economy. It supports communities in the shift towards low-carbon technology and achieving net zero emissions.