Earlsburn 33kV Wind Farm Project

Excalon was appointed to install the 33kV cable system associated with the Earlsburn Wind Farm Project.

The route had multiple constraints and the eventual design comprised one 33kV circuit installed within 100mm diameter ducts with an associated opti-com fibre optic duct.

The route length was approximately 20km and was installed from the existing Bonnybridge 33kV substation to a new substation constructed at the wind farm development.

The route length, in excess of 20km was broken down as follows:

  • 4km C/W (3/4)
  • 6km C/W (1/2)  10km Agricultural/Mountain Terrain
  • 3km Soil Stripping

Excalon’s involvement consisted of civil engineering, excavations and duct installation for the overall route from Bonnybridge substation through carriageway and urban areas of Denny before entering rural and mountainous regions adjacent to the Carron Valley Park.

A major element of the works required detailed planning and programming, which in turn involved liaison with multiple stakeholders and landowners over the construction phase, including landowner demarcation, fencing and removal and subsequent construction of dry stone walls.

Many special engineering difficulties including 23 stream crossings of various magnitudes were designed and constructed by Excalon including full over pumping of larger crossings to small water course crossings.

In addition, difficult terrain and ground conditions were prevalent throughout the agricultural sections. This was resolved utilising specialist plant and equipment operated by our in house teams.

Client: Alfred McAlpine / Scottish Power

Value: Circa £1m +

Duration: 2006

Services Provided:

  • Civil Design
  • Stakeholder and Landowner Management
  • Site Management and Supervision
  • Traffic Management
  • Excavations and installation of duct infrastructure
  • SED Management and Installation
  • Testing of ducts