SP Energy Networks is investing £20m in the local network in St Andrews, Scotland, to increase capacity to accommodate more clean energy.
The improvement project involves the installation of a primary substation in Guardbridge, west of St Andrews.
The substation will be connected to the grid via two new underground cable circuits, totalling 12km in length, running between Guardbridge and Cupar.
Works will get underway at the end of this month and continue until the end of 2025.
Part of SP Energy Networks’ overall £85m spending programme across Central and Fife between 2023-2028, the project will ensure local people and communities continue to benefit from a modern, resilient and reliable electricity network.
It will also boost network capacity to facilitate the estimated 30% increase in electricity demand in the St Andrew’s area over the next 10 years as more and more people make the switch to low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.
SP Energy Networks’ project manager Archie Ferguson (pictured) said: “This investment will be a real game-changer for the region, ensuring that people and businesses can embrace a cleaner and greener way of life with open arms.
“To put it into perspective, this project will deliver enough additional capacity to support 1800 new EV charging points and 1200 heat pumps across St Andrews and the surrounding towns and villages.
“It will also support new grid connections for renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms, so it’s very much about getting the network ready for that clean energy future.”
SP Energy Networks has worked closely with Fife Council to carefully plan the route for the works, purposely avoiding working along Carslogie Road, Westport and Bonnygate in Cupar.
From the east side of Cupar, at East Road, the works will track along the A91, through Dairsie and on to Guardbridge.