Component failure causes loud bang at Western Link substation near Hunterston

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.

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.

1. Energisation and test works on new grid infrastructure should be planned on the assumption that a component may fail audibly or energetically, with exclusion zones and emergency arrangements set before testing begins.
2. Where a test site sits next to sensitive infrastructure such as a nuclear station or housing, advance notification to emergency services and neighbours reduces unnecessary mobilisations and public alarm.
3. A prompt factual statement confirming injuries, network impact and risk to adjacent assets limits speculation when bystanders report an explosion on social media.

thescottishsun.co.uk/news/1596288/hunterston-explosion-ayrshire-fire-crews-sc...