Gwynt y Mor

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Client | Prysmian (Ultimate Client: RWE Npower Renewables Ltd )

Division | Construction

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In October 2010, works began on the Gwynt y Mor windfarm 132kV onshore connection near Abergele in North Wales. The works are being undertaken for RWE Npower Renewables Ltd by Prysmian Cables who have appointed Neary Construction as their civils and cable installation contractor.

The works comprise the installation of 4 No. 132kV cable circuits over an 11km cross-country route between the shoreline at Towyn to the new St Asaph Substation. The cable circuits are being installed in ducts in 4 No. separate trenches over 12 No. cable sections.

Enabling works were carried out over the 2010 / 2011 winter period. The 40 metre wide easement has been fenced, topsoil stripped and a temporary access road installed over the full route length.

Approximately 30 No. existing streams have been temporarily culverted to facilitate access and a temporary bridge has been installed across the Bodoryn Cut drainage channel. Wheelwashes were installed at all site exits which, along with road-sweepers, ensure the public highways are kept clean.

Trench excavation works commenced in Spring 2011 and by the end of August 2011 over 90% of the total 132km of ducting required had been installed. Construction of the first of the 44 No. joint bays required in Summer 2011 has facilitated cable installation beginning in August 2011.

The 132km of single-core xLPE cables are scheduled to be installed over the Autumn/Winter period 2011/2012 for commissioning in Spring 2012.

The project has an overall duration of 20 months and is scheduled for completion in June 2012 with the easement having been fully reinstated for handing-back to the landowners.

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