The 91 solar panels will allow the substation to self-sufficiently run its electrical switchgear and lighting. Image: Electricity North West.

Electricity North West has announced the launch of a 33,000-volt net zero substation consisting of 91 solar panels, in Lancashire.

According to the distribution network operator (DNO), the £7.5 million project will be the first net zero substation in the county.

Installed at Sir Frederick Page Way, the new 33,000-volt substation will power the local area, whilst the 91 solar panels will allow the substation to self-sufficiently run its electrical switchgear and lighting.

The net zero substation is a part of a wider development called the Samlesbury Enterprise Zone. The DNO stated that the zone is a “major, regional, and strategically important employment site, with the potential to generate around 2,500 high value jobs and investment value of well over £200 million”.

The implementation of this new substation will ensure the network has enough capacity to meet local demand, particularly with the new development, whilst also promoting green growth in the region.

County councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Our redevelopment of Samlesbury Enterprise Zone is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a truly world-class, leading-edge collaborative environment, with the aim of bringing thousands of jobs to Lancashire, whilst ensuring we deliver a high-quality and sustainable site.

“We’re proud that we’ve been working with Electricity North West to deliver this substation, which is the first of its kind in Lancashire, as part of our planned development of this site. We are already well underway with our complementary programmes which include planting thousands of trees and re-using material from the old runway on our counties roads, and this new substation adds to the sustainability of our redevelopment.”