SP Energy Networks is proposing the development of a new substation, approximately 1.8km west of Nether Blainslie to the south west of Lauder, in the Scottish Borders. The substation itself, known as Gala North Substation, will have a footprint of approximately 6 hectares (ha) with the remainder of the land utilised for earthworks, access, drainage infrastructure, landscaping and screening.
Substations play a crucial role in transforming electricity into various voltages, essential for its transmission across the nation and subsequent distribution into local communities, households, and commercial establishments.
Within substations, specialised equipment facilitates the transformation, or 'switching,' of voltage levels. This process involves using transformers positioned within the substation's premises to either step up or step down the voltage as required.
The Gala North Substation will consist of several elements, and will be a combination of:
- A 400kV, Gas Insulated section in which electrical components are enclosed in metal casings filled with insulating gas. This section will be housed indoors in a building.
- A 132kV, Air Insulated section in which electrical equipment is arranged in open air compartments with air as the primary insulating medium.
The proposed Gala North Substation will play a critical role, along with our other ongoing works in Scotland, to deliver Net Zero by building up capacity and reinforcing the grid network.
SP Energy Networks is also looking to divert a section of the existing 400kV overhead line (ZA Route) that runs between Cockenzie and Eccles, into the proposed Gala North Substation.
This is known as the ‘ZA Diversion’ and would involve removing part of the existing route and constructing new overhead lines, towers, and gantry ‘turn-in’ connections. The diversion would compromise approximately 1.25km of new overhead line, six towers and two gantries to reinforce this part of the wider electricity transmission network.
The figure below highlights an indicative design for these works.
The site below has been considered suitable for Gala North Substation and the ZA OHL Diversion due to:
- Limited visibility from the surrounding area
- Distance from nearby residential dwellings
- Proximity to existing overhead line infrastructure
View Gala North Substation location plan
View ZA Diversion location plan
The figure below highlights an indicative substation footprint and land to accommodate site access. A temporary haul road is proposed to connect the A68 with the C77 Lauder-Galashiels Road, helping to minimise the impact of construction traffic on Lauder and the surrounding area.
These details remain subject to further design development, taking into consideration our upcoming public consultation responses and any other significant factors.
