National Grid Electricity Transmission has energised its new Shurton substation in Somerset that will eventually connect the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant to the power grid.
The facility, which sits adjacent to the Hinkley site, is now transferring energy from the Taunton substation to Shurton. Later this year it will begin supplying electricity to the site to support the construction of the power station.
National Grid and its principal contractor Linxon began building the Shurton substation in 2019. Morrison Energy Services installed the overhead lines connecting the substation to the existing network and ultimately to the high voltage Hinkley Connection being built between Bridgwater and Avonmouth.
The team began the final stage of commissioning in May, which included the energisation of the substation, operational checks, testing of the equipment and the testing of the circuits. It will be completed later this year following the finalisation of the installation of the series reactors.
James Goode, project director National Grid said: “The energisation of Shurton substation is a tremendous achievement by all involved and a significant milestone for both National Grid and Hinkley Point C. The energy running through the substation supports Hinkley Point C’s programme of works in readiness for the connection of both generators in the future.”
The Shurton substation is one of two new substations being built as part of the Hinkley Connection project. The other substation is located near Sandford and is due to be completed in 2023.