Glasgow’s electricity network upgrade brings Scotland closer to net zero
The first stage of a £30m ($37.6m) investment project, believed to be key to achieving Scotland’s 2030 ambition, to upgrade Glasgow’s ageing electricity network has been completed.
Engineers from SP Energy Networks, a distribution and transmission network operator, have finished the first phase of the St Andrew’s Cross investment project.
The project is aimed to significantly increase capacity south of the River Clyde, Scotland, readying the network for the increased uptake of green technology such as electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps over the coming years.
The project began in October 2020 and will see more than 55 miles (88 kilometres) of cabling and four substations across Glasgow Southside upgraded by the end of next year.
The network extends from Govan to the new riverside Buchanan Wharf development in Tradeston on the south bank of the River Clyde. This will include upgrades across the Gorbals, Govanhill, Pollokshields, Tradeston, Cessnock, Kinning Park, Govan and Ibrox.
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According to SP Energy Networks, the investment project is a key milestone for Glasgow, which has the target of delivering net zero emissions by 2030.
Guy Jefferson, chief operating officer at SP Energy Networks, stated about the investment: “We know it’s vital to invest in Glasgow’s ageing power network, which was mainly developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. We are replacing it with modern infrastructure that’s capable of handling the increased electricity demand of the city as it focuses initially on the decarbonisation of transport and heat.
“As part of this project, we’ve completed the modernisation of our substation at St Andrew’s Cross by replacing two of the main transformers that had reached the end of their natural serviceable life.
“I’m proud that SP Energy Networks is investing ahead of need so that the ambition of cities like Glasgow can be realised by 2030, ultimately benefitting the 80,000 people that love and work in Scotland’s largest city.”
Jefferson also elaborated on the replacement works involved in the project, including switchgear and 33kV cables. Completion of the project is due by May 2023, due to the reducing life span of the involved electrical assets.
The substation is located within the south section of the grade B listed former St Andrew’s Cross power station building at Eglington Toll in Glasgow, Scotland.
