Canterbury 400kV GIS Substation .

A complex and innovative project conducted within the spatial confines of the existing substation, the extension of the 400kV Canterbury North substation will facilitate the connection of a new HVDC link between the UK and Belgium.  

 BakerHicks provided HV cabling design, civil and structural engineering and architectural services on this project.

With limited historical information and the possibility of unknown redundant foundations on the site, flexible designs and fast decision making were essential. Our engineers conducted additional surveys to establish the location of underground services and bring the hazard plan up to date, enabling them to safely route the 400kV cabling through the existing substation compound. New compact 400kV cable sealing ends terminations were also designed to meet the limited space on site and design interfaces with GIS suppliers and primary system designers. 

 An efficient solution, the new shunt reactor enhances the system management of the area. It ensures effective operation during low demand periods, when additional inductive loads are needed to maintain system voltage levels within the normal range. Our engineers developed the design and the installation strategy for this and the associated 400kV cabling that connects the two double circuits to the new GIS building. They also designed a cast in-situ continuous HV cable and communications trough with bespoke covers, which was especially challenging due necessary changes in route being made throughout the design and construction period. 

 The project design was completed to schedule. It delivers the infrastructure needed to connect the Richborough Overhead Line and provides another HVDC connecting line between the UK and Belgium.