SP Energy Networks' Cockenzie substation has undergone a £6.5m refurbishment, bringing the 1960's substation into the modern era.
Originally built to support Cockenzie coal-fired power station, the substation has served the transmission network for more than fifty years, playing a crucial role in the energy system as the country transitioned from coal to renewables.
Now, following the refurbishment, the substation stands ready to serve the community for the next fifty years, continuing to play a vital role in the UK’s electricity network.
Located near the Firth of Forth, the original substation building was designed to shield the critical electrical infrastructure from the harsh coastal environment.
The refurbishment programme looked to address some of the impacts of the environment on the outside of the substation, including installing new insulated steel cladding and felting the roof, as well as the addition of new perimeter lighting and improvements to drainage.
Inside, the control room, which had remained largely the same as when it was first built, received a full refurbishment to meet modern operational standards and keep the substation operating for decades to come.
With the substation set to remain operational for at least another 40 years, and with new offshore wind connections and other renewable projects coming online, the £6.5m investment ensures the site can help support the UK’s work towards an all-electric future.
David Sparham SP Energy Networks Project Manager, said: “How we make and use electricity has changed dramatically since this substation was built back in the 1960s, but Cockenzie substation’s role within the energy system has remained constant.
“Looking ahead, as energy demand continues to grow, we need to invest – like we have done here in Cockenzie - in our electricity network to make sure it can support our communities well into the future.”
