Lowther were appointed by Amey Utility Services Ltd to design and install the perimeter and internal security fencing package for the onshore substation serving the Walney Extension offshore wind farm near Heysham in Lancashire.
Overview
Walney Extension became the largest offshore wind farm in the world when commissioned in 2018, with a total capacity of 660MW. The new onshore substation, located on reclaimed marshland near Heysham, required an innovative perimeter and internal fencing package capable of meeting the highest security and safety requirements. Key challenges included designing a system that offered a guaranteed delay against attack, ensuring all fencing was earthed or non-conductive, combining rigid mesh and GRP systems in the same internal fence line, and making the perimeter compatible with power fencing for security integration.
Works Undertaken
The external perimeter comprised 652 metres of Securus SR1 358 panel fencing with an integrated electrification system, set on a continuous reinforced concrete foundation of 674 metres. Access was provided via a Lockmaster 2400mm swing gate and a Slidemaster SR1 cantilever sliding gate, both fitted with electrification extensions to maintain the integrity of the security perimeter at all access points.
Internal fencing combined two systems within the same fence line: 400 metres of Dulok 656 rigid mesh panel fencing and 200 metres of CLS GRP mesh panel system. All internal fencing was base-plated as required by the specification. The combination of rigid mesh and non-conductive GRP in a single continuous fence line addressed the site’s electrical safety requirements while maintaining the required security separation between internal zones.
