ABB supplies windfarm infrastructure

ABB has provided an electrical infrastructure service for Enercon to connect Northamptonshire’s first wind farm, at Burton Wold, into the local power distribution network.

The project included construction of the individual cable links between 10 wind turbines, fitting out the site substation and commissioning the main 33kV cable that now feeds up to 20MW of renewable power into the Central Networks grid.

Burton Wold wind farm started operation in May 2006. The project was developed by Your Energy, is owned by Mistral Windfarms and operated by Your Energy Services - companies all operating under the Mistral Group. E.ON UK is buying the electricity output under a long-term power purchase contract.

The 71m diameter, 2MW, turbines at Burton Wold were supplied by Enercon, a leading wind turbine manufacturer.

ABB’s previous work at Burton Wold included installing and connecting the 33kv turbine power cables, fibre optic telemetry systems and supplying and fitting out of the site substation. They were also responsible for carrying out all on-site civil works connected with cable-trenching and erection of switchgear; testing and final commissioning.