Northern Powergrid Solar Farm, East Riding of Yorkshire

Challenge

A 49.9MW solar PV development near Driffield required a connection to Northern Powergrid's 132kV overhead line network. The original connection proposal involved replacing an existing 132kV tower to create the point of connection, resulting in a more complex, costly and time-consuming delivery programme.

Solution

Freedom proposed its patented POC-MAST™ solution, enabling a 132kV tee-off connection directly from the existing overhead line tower and removing the need for a replacement structure. As the first deployment of POC-MAST™ on the Northern Powergrid network, the project demonstrated how innovative connection methodologies can simplify network access while maintaining the highest safety and engineering standards. The connection was completed with only a short outage on the connecting circuit to install the cross-leads, significantly reducing the impact on the wider network and providing greater flexibility for both the client and the DNO.

Result

The POC-MAST™ solution provided a faster, lower-cost alternative to a traditional tower replacement scheme, reducing construction complexity, programme duration and outage requirements. Installation was completed in just 10 working days, helping accelerate the delivery of the solar farm while minimising disruption to the network. By utilising existing infrastructure, Freedom delivered a safer, more efficient and more sustainable route to connection, while successfully introducing POC-MAST™ to the Northern Powergrid network for the first time.