23 May 2024

Dunamis successfully completes high voltage infrastructure for Lightsource bp's Tiln Farm Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System Project

Dunamis, a leading Independent Connection Provider (ICP) specialising in the design and build of high voltage grid connections and networks, has supported Lightsource bp, a global leader in solar energy projects to design and build high voltage electrical infrastructure for the Tiln Farm Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System Projects in Retford, Nottinghamshire.

Dunamis designed and delivered a 132KV substation for the project, as well as a customer compound and switchroom. In addition, Dunamis managed and delivered the grid connection to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), which has subsequently been adopted.

Dunamis secured the contract through a competitive tender process. This collaboration builds on a successful and longstanding relationship with Lightsource bp.

Lightsource bp’s Tiln Farm solar project, spanning 158 acres, boasts an impressive output capacity of 61 MWp (Megawatts peak) or 49.9 MWac, generating 52,890 MWh (Megawatts hours) of clean energy annually – equivalent to powering 14,230 homes, combined with the adjacent 25MW / 50MWhr BESS installation.

From its base in Bury St Edmunds, where it has a team of more than 35, Dunamis provides its highly specialist electrical design services and high voltage electrical infrastructure.

It’s bespoke solutions, which are all designed, delivered and project managed by the in-house team of electricity specialists, are utilised for the construction and energisation of facilities such as large-scale battery storage facilities, and infrastructure for solar farms, onshore wind farms and Industrial and Commercial developments.

This project marks Lightsource bp’s commitment to sustainability, with the implementation of a bespoke Biodiversity Management Plan and a landscape planting plan to enhance biodiversity on-site, including the creation of 10 acres of wildflower meadows.

Throughout the project delivery, Dunamis demonstrated agility and flexibility in addressing the global supply chain challenges. Its engineers proactively adapted the design and construction programme for the high voltage systems, minimising impact on the overall project timeline.

This flexibility allowed the systems to be constructed promptly, with delayed components added on-site as they became available, thereby mitigating delays as far as possible. The high voltage capabilities, project management and site operations management of Dunamis, has contributed to the safe and successful delivery of our first co-located Solar and BESS project globally.

Graham Dolamore, Head of Construction at Lightsource bp

We are exceptionally proud of our well-established relationship with Lightsource bp and to secure and deliver another significant contract through tender to support the growth of its solar portfolio.

Through our specialist High Voltage capabilities, and track record in the solar farm industry, we have been well positioned to successfully deliver this project in support a landmark project such as Tiln Farm for such a high profile developer and operator.

Stuart Weatherston, Divisional Director at Dunamis