SP Energy Networks’ plans to construct a new electricity substation at Redshaw near Douglas have been given the green light
The substation – which will be situated near the former Red Moss Hotel - will increase capacity and strengthen the electricity transmission network to get more clean, green energy to the homes, schools and businesses that need it.
SP Energy Networks shared detailed proposals for Redshaw substation with the local community in Spring before submitting the application for planning consent with South Lanarkshire Council in June .
Much of the electricity transmission network in Scotland was first built in the 1920s. Since then, it has grown and evolved to meet industrial needs and serve the expanding population, but the network in the south of Scotland will soon be at full capacity.
Around 2GW (gigawatts) of new renewable energy is expected to connect to the transmission network in this area in the near future. The new high-voltage substation at Redshaw is essential to create sufficient extra network capacity and improve the resilience of the local energy network.
Andrew Hutchison, Environmental Planning Manager at SP Energy Networks, said:
“Achieving consent for a substation at Redshaw is a fantastic milestone for the project and a great step forward in enabling us to strengthen the electricity transmission network in the south of Scotland.
“We are upgrading and adding new infrastructure into the network in South Lanarkshire and beyond and through ongoing dialogue with local residents and stakeholders, we developed the best possible option for the new Redshaw substation.
“The new substation is part of a wider programme of investment across Scotland vital to improving our energy security and contributing towards Scotland’s, and the rest of the UK’s, net zero targets.”.
People can find more information about the project by visiting our website: https://www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/redshaw_400kv_substation
What happens next?
SP Energy Networks will engage with South Lanarkshire Council’s Roads department to confirm details around site access from the road network and to develop a detailed construction management plan to support the development.
Subject to satisfying these conditions and other site survey activities, it is hoped that work can begin later this year with a view to completing the project by the end of 2031.
Scope of Substation
The new Redshaw substation will include:
• A new 400kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation building, which will house gas insulated electrical switchgear and plant (85m x 45m)
• A second GIS substation building which will house gas insulated electrical switchgear and plant (30 x 20m)
• A small distribution substation building to provide ancillary power, lighting, heating and ventilation
• 4 x 360MVA transformers
• A new permanent access track from the local public road to the substation compound
• Internal access roads and vehicle parking
• A new 3m high steel palisade security fence and internal fencing around the live compound.
The Redshaw substation planning application (P/25/0662) is now live and can be viewed on South Lanarkshire Council’s planning portal (Redshaw substation planning application). This contains a range of reports and supporting information, including a construction management traffic plan, full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), report on consultation, and extensive plans and drawings