132kV Solar Farm Substation & Cable Route Project | Layer De La Haye

MD Groundworks successfully delivered a critical infrastructure package for a 40MW solar energy substation in Layer De La Haye, Essex. This project plays a pivotal role in connecting a large-scale solar farm to the UK’s national grid and advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.

At the heart of the development was the construction of a 3km 132kV cable route, linking the site to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) point of connection. The route traversed public carriageways, requiring expertly managed traffic control and phased execution to minimise disruption to local road users.

Project Overview

Location: Layer De La Haye, Essex
Sector: Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Capacity: 40MW Solar Substation
Connection Voltage: 132kV
Completion: 2024
Power Output: Equivalent to 16,500 UK homes

Scope of Work

Our civil engineering and utility infrastructure team delivered the full suite of services including:

3km cable trenching and reinstatement, using HAUC-compliant standards
Traffic Management Systems for highway works
132kV cable installation and ducting from point of connection to substation
Construction of key substation components:
- Transformer base and bund (RC construction)
- Reinforced concrete control room
- Switchgear room
- Lighting column bases and installation
Site-wide drainage and ductwork systems
Security fencing and perimeter works
Environmental water management via attenuation pond and swale construction

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

This solar substation now enables the generation and transmission of clean, renewable electricity equivalent to powering approximately 16,500 homes per year, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the UK’s Net Zero goals.

The inclusion of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) such as attenuation ponds and swales further demonstrates MD Groundworks’ commitment to environmental stewardship.