Component failure causes loud bang at Western Link substation near Hunterston
Sept 2017Published 20 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- Western Link substation, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
- What
- Component failure caused loud bang during test works
- Injuries
- None reported
- Response
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent three appliances
- Cause
- Under investigation
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Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): National Grid, ScottishPower Transmission, SP Energy Networks
What happened
On 21 September 2017 at around 3.20pm, a loud bang was heard following a component failure at a substation forming part of the Western Link electrical facility in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, close to the Hunterston B nuclear power station. The incident occurred during test works. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 3.19pm and mobilised three fire appliances, but their assistance was not required and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.
ScottishPower said there were no injuries, no disruption to the electricity network and no risk to the nuclear power station. SP Energy Networks, National Grid and contractors were reported to be investigating. The Western Link is a joint venture between ScottishPower Transmission and National Grid, using subsea and underground cables linked to converter stations to bring renewable energy from Scotland to Wales and England.
Contributing factors
A component failure occurred within the Western Link electrical facility during test works. The specific component and the underlying cause were not reported, and an investigation was under way at the time of reporting.
Lessons learned
- Test works on grid infrastructure need exclusion zones and emergency plans ready before energisation in case a component fails audibly or with force.
- Sites next to nuclear stations or housing should notify emergency services and neighbours before tests to avoid unneeded callouts.
- A quick statement on injuries, network impact and risk to nearby assets reduces public alarm after loud events reported on social media.
More lessons on emergency response and public communication, detection and monitoring, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Specific component that failed
- Underlying cause of the failure
- Age or model of the component
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Published 2026-09-20. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
