Freedom delivered a 132kV loop-in loop-out POC-MAST™ connection to facilitate a major solar farm connection within the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) area.

Challenge

The former RAF Lyneham site was redeveloped into a 69.8MW solar farm connected to the SSEN network via a temporary tee-in arrangement using down-leads and a six-pole timber 'chair' structure. A permanent connection was required, with the traditional solution involving the construction of a new terminal tower and temporary overhead line diversion. This approach would have resulted in a lengthy programme, multiple circuit outages and the removal of part of an ancient woodland.

Solution

Freedom proposed a patented POC-MAST™ loop-in loop-out (LiLo) solution, enabling a permanent connection directly from the existing overhead line infrastructure without the need for a new tower or complex diversion works. As the first deployment of POC-MAST™ on the SSEN network, the project included full-scale structural testing at the Eucomsa test centre in Spain as part of the approval process. Freedom also modified and commissioned the existing substation and delivered both contestable and non-contestable works, providing a fully integrated connection solution. The POC-MAST™ structures were installed on screw-anchor foundations and raised into position using a hydraulic lifting system, reducing construction risk and site impact.

Result

The POC-MAST™ solution avoided the need for a new tower and temporary diversion, helping to protect the adjacent ancient woodland while significantly reducing programme duration, outage requirements and overall project costs. The complete installation was delivered in just 10 working days, compared to the many months typically required for a traditional tower connection. By utilising existing network infrastructure, the project achieved a faster, safer and lower-impact route to permanent grid connection for the solar farm.