Kells 275 kV Substation Rebuild
Project overview
Kells 275/110 kV grid supply point substation is located in Kells, County Antrim, approximately 10 km south-east of Ballymena. This substation serves four 275 kV overhead circuits including:
- Ballylumford – Kells
- Kells – Magherafelt
- Kells – Kilroot ‘A’
- Kells – Kilroot ‘B’
The main driver for the refurbishment is ageing infrastructure. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the ageing infrastructure is now beyond its original design life.
The refurbishment will address the limitations of the existing mesh arrangement to minimise the likelihood of consumer supply interruptions.
It will also facilitate the long-term need to turn in the Ballylumford-Magherafelt 275 kV circuit, improving operation flexibility, reduced fault outage impacts and improved maintenance flexibility.
Benefits of the project
Benefits of the project
- Enhance security of supply
- Strengthen the local transmission network in the area
- Replaces aging infrastructure with equipment to meet modern design standards
- Improves operational flexibility and reliability
- Limits the impact of any faults on the Ballylumford – Magherafelt 275 kV circuit
Where are we now?
We are currently at Part 1 of SONI’s 3-Part Process for Grid Development. At this early stage, we are engaging with stakeholders, sharing our plans to refurbish the site, and the benefits these changes will bring for the Northern Ireland consumer.
Project updates
August 2025
We are currently at Part 1 of SONI’s 3-Part Process for Grid Development. At this early stage, we are engaging with stakeholders, sharing our plans to refurbish the site, and the benefits these changes will bring for the Northern Ireland consumer.