£19m upgrade powers local growth

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has completed a £19 million refurbishment of a key electricity transmission line between Gretna and Chapelcross.

The major infrastructure project, which is part of our wider investment programme to maintain and modernise the transmission network, delivered significant benefits for local businesses, skills development and the environment.

The project involved the refurbishment of the 132kV AL Route, a 14.23km overhead line (28.46km double circuit) supported by more than 50 steel towers.

SP Energy Networks projects deliver vital contracting work ranging in value from hundreds of millions to tens of thousands of pounds, supporting companies and jobs across the UK.

In addition to strengthening the electricity network, the project provided opportunities for businesses across southern Scotland, with five local contractors playing a key role in delivering the works.

The local supply chain included:

• Lanark based CL Drainage & Fencing and Annan based Mackay Development Services Ltd on vegetation clearance and fencing works.
• Family run, Environmental Consultancy, Connicks based in Newton Stewart; Gretna based F Sheckley Haulage; Castle Douglas based Maxwells Construction and Civils Limited and New Cumnock based Foundation Solutions HV on civils, haulage and foundation works.

The project also supported 11 trainees in beginning their careers in energy, including one from SP Energy Networks and ten from Bathgate based principal contractor Aureos.

Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks said: “We're proud that much of the activity associated with this project has supported local businesses and create opportunities for trainees setting out on their careers in energy. It has directly benefited contractors and communities from across the region; supported local jobs and economic growth while delivering infrastructure that will serve customers for many years to come."

Chris Stones, Environmental Advisor from Connicks, who is from Dumfries said: "Connicks is a company based here in Dumfries and Galloway and contracts like this are invaluable. They help to provide stability and allow us to invest in our team, creating opportunities for trainees to work on large scale energy infrastructure projects and gain valuable experience and skills."

Principal contractor Aureos deliver energy and transportation schemes across the UK including a host of energy upgrade projects in Scotland. As part of their work with SP Energy Networks, Aureos harnessed the talent of a network of local companies and recruited trainees locally to help them deliver the upgrade.

Andy Stewart, Project Engineer with Aureos said: "Projects like this give long-term job security. We know as engineers that once we finish one job we are straight onto the next, sometimes working on more than one at once. Having sight of that pipeline of work is hugely important for long-term business stability throughout the supply chain.

"On this project in particular we were able to develop strong local relationships through the engagement of a local contractor who established a yard in Eaglesfield near Annan - that really helps in terms of the local community, they know the outfits that are working here and the standard of work is very high."

Scott Mills, Regional Manager, Transmission, at Aureos, said: "As principal contractor, one of Aureos' roles is to bring together the specialist supply chain capability needed to deliver critical infrastructure safely, efficiently and to the highest standard for SP Energy Networks.

"This project is a great example of how this can be done locally and how investment in the transmission network can create value beyond the asset itself, supporting businesses in southern Scotland, developing skills and helping build the capacity needed for the UK's future energy system.

“As part of this project, ten trainees from the local area were able to take their first career steps in the energy industry with Aureos along with another one from SP Energy Networks which helps nurture the next generation of engineers.”

Originally constructed in 1958, the route is a key part of the transmission network in southern Scotland. The refurbishment programme included detailed tower condition assessments, maintenance works, foundation upgrades and the replacement of conductors and insulators to ensure the long-term reliability and resilience of the line.

Sustainability was also central to project delivery with three native trees being planted for every tree or shrub removed during construction, helping to enhance local biodiversity and support habitat regeneration.

The project also reused materials wherever possible; aggregate used to create temporary working platforms was subsequently reused by local landowners, while approximately 600 tonnes of stone was transferred to repair and improve an existing track, ensuring valuable materials remained in productive use rather than becoming waste.

Throughout the works, SP Energy Networks worked closely with local landowners and stakeholders to facilitate access and minimise disruption.

The completed refurbishment forms part of SP Energy Networks' wider investment programme to maintain and modernise the transmission network, ensuring a safe, secure and reliable electricity supply while supporting the transition to a net zero future.