The Neilston Substation, a critical facility for green energy distribution in the UK, continues to bolster the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. Situated in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, the substation plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and efficiency in the national grid, ensuring a consistent, blackout-proof energy supply. Recently, Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting, crane rental services, and engineered transport, contributed to a significant expansion of this facility.
As part of the substation’s latest upgrade, Sarens, in collaboration with Colletts Heavy Haulage, was tasked with loading and unloading several large components for installation, including a massive 148-tonne transformer. This heavy-lifting operation was key to enhancing the substation’s capacity, enabling it to handle higher loads and support the country’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Sarens utilized its powerful Liebherr LTM1800 crane, selected for its impressive 800-tonne load capacity and mobility, to manage the operation. The entire process, including the crane’s assembly and disassembly, spanned three days. The team, consisting of four Sarens staff members—a crane operator, a lift supervisor, and two transport drivers—overcame the challenge of meeting the port’s strict ground bearing pressure requirements, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
The Neilston Substation, which manages 400kV and 275kV circuits, is pivotal to the UK’s transition toward renewable energy, receiving a substantial portion of its electricity from wind and solar sources. One of the key developments at the site is the Neilston Greener Grid Park, aimed at stabilizing energy flow through the grid, preventing blackouts, and maximizing the use of renewable energy.
Sarens’ role in this expansion underscores its extensive experience in the UK’s energy sector. The company has previously supported major projects such as the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, where it deployed its SGC250 crane, the world’s largest land-based crane. Other notable projects include heavy lifting for the FAST project at the Fawley refinery and the installation of a 5,000-tonne concrete culvert on a rail line near Glasgow.
