Location
Keith, Scotland
Industry
Substations & Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Client
SSE (Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks)
Products
Standard Moulded GRP Grating
Blackhillock Substation Project
Kite Group supplied GRP grating panels at Blackhillock Substation, providing secure access routes and protecting sensitive cables at the UK’s largest substation in Scotland.
Project Overview
The Blackhillock Substation, located near Keith in Moray, northeast Scotland, is the largest substation in the UK and the second largest in Europe. Covering an area equivalent to 24 football pitches, it plays a pivotal role in connecting Scotland’s renewable energy to the national grid.
Construction began in 2015 as part of the Caithness–Moray Link, a £1bn infrastructure project designed to transmit renewable energy from the far north of Scotland. Completed and commissioned in 2019, Blackhillock became a critical hub for Scotland’s energy transition, feeding offshore wind power and other renewable sources directly into the UK’s electricity network.
Key Facts
£1bn investment as part of the Caithness–Moray renewable energy link.
Incorporates 275kV air-insulated, 400kV and 132kV gas-insulated substations.
Features a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter and 113km subsea cable.
Supports the 84-turbine Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm, powering 450,000 homes.
Transmission reinforcement capacity of up to 1200MW between Caithness and Moray.
Did You Know?
The nearby town of Keith dates back to 1180 and is the starting point of the famous Malt Whisky Trail. It’s also home to the historic Strathisla Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Highlands.
Kite’s Contribution
Kite Group was proud to support this landmark project by supplying GRP Grating Panels and GRP Solid Tops.
Safe Access: Provided secure access routes for landline cables and pipes.
Inspection & Maintenance: Panels offered visibility for quick checks and ongoing maintenance.
Strength & Protection: GRP solid tops reinforced specific areas, delivering weight resistance and long-term durability.
Non-Conductive & Safe: The non-conductive properties of GRP made it the ideal choice for high-voltage environments, significantly reducing electrical hazards.
By supplying tailored GRP systems, Kite contributed to a safer, more efficient, and future-ready energy infrastructure project that strengthens the UK’s renewable power grid.
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