Saxa Vord Standby Power & MET Mast
RRH Saxa Vord Standby Power & Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade
Design and installation of an integrated standby power supply system to support the regeneration of a critical remote radar site. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office required the regeneration of the previously closed Saxa Vord Radar site to restore long-range radar coverage from the far north of Scotland. The site was recommissioned as a Remote Radar Head (RRH), demanding extensive security, resilience, and technological upgrades.
→ RRH Saxa Vord, Unst, Shetland Isles, UK
→ Standby generation: 275kVA diesel generator
→ Fully commissioned and operational standby power system
PROJECT DETAILS
PROJECT DETAILS
Challenge
The project involved returning a previously decommissioned radar site to full operational status as a Remote Radar Head, requiring substantial upgrades to its electrical and standby power infrastructure. The works had to be delivered within a highly sensitive and secure military environment, where strict security clearance, engineering authority approval, and operational compliance were mandatory.
In addition to the security constraints, the technical scope was complex, requiring the integration of new equipment with existing infrastructure while maintaining system resilience and reliability. Successful delivery depended on close collaboration between Nordri’s design and installation teams, the client, specialist manufacturers, and other subcontractors. The remote location and operational nature of the site further increased the need for careful planning, coordination, and disciplined execution.
Solution
Nordri formed part of the site’s design and delivery team, acting as the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) contractor responsible for delivering critical power and electrical infrastructure.
The scope of works included:
→ Replacement of sub-mains underground feed cables
→ Installation of small power and lighting systems in newly constructed areas
→ Electrical containment and switchgear to integrate new equipment
→ Installation of a 275kVA diesel generator with associated air, exhaust, and fuel systems
→ Installation of supporting fuel storage infrastructure
→ Design and installation of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems and changeover switches
→ Replacement of an operationally critical LV feeder pillar
To ensure successful delivery, Nordri established a dedicated project team led by a single project manager. All relevant personnel obtained appropriate Security Clearance and were qualified as Skilled Persons, enabling autonomous working in accordance with client, engineering authority, and site-specific requirements.
Results & Impact
The project was successfully completed in line with the client’s expectations, restoring critical standby power and electrical infrastructure to support the reactivation of the Saxa Vord Remote Radar Head. All systems were fully tested, commissioned, and brought into service, followed by formal handover. Nordri delivered a comprehensive suite of project documentation and an Operation and Maintenance Manual, ensuring long-term reliability, compliance, and operational readiness of this strategically important site.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for responsive, high-quality engineering support, we’re here to help. Contact Nordri to arrange a consultation and find out how our expertise can keep your operations running smoothly.
