Gala North Substation
Iberdrola’s SP Energy Networks (SPEN) hopes to develop a new substantial substation at Threepwood, near Blainslie, South of Lauder, initially on a 24ha site (shown in blue on the map below). Known as Gala North, the first stage of the substation would have a footprint of 5-6ha.
- The site is adjacent to the proposed Sheepfold Energy Storage project
- It is less than 1 mile away from the proposed Woodheads Energy Park
- The substation would connect a Cross Border Connection
- The substation would also connect to a Harburn – Gala North powerline that SPEN is yet to consult on
- The Dun Law Extension could connect into the substation
- The substation would be visible from the Southern Upland Way
The site of the proposed substation is less than 1km from the edge of Threepwood Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (shown in green).
The proposed Gala North Substation would consist of several elements:
- A 400kV, Gas Insulated section in which electrical components would be enclosed in metal casings filled with insulating gas. This section will be housed indoors.
- A 132kV, Air Insulated section in which electrical equipment is arranged in open air compartments with air as the primary insulating medium. Air insulated switch gear requires considerably more land than gas insulated.
READ MORE on the Scottish Power Energy Networks website.
* (August 6, 2025) SPEN notes on their website and in their documentation that the substation footprint and layout is only indicative and would be subject to further design development taking into consideration the consultation responses and other variable factors.
SPEN’s business plan makes clear that it has only consulted so far on a first stage of substation. SPEN’s intention would be to add further bays for a Harburn-Gala North overhead line.