THE design and build contract for a major windfarm project outside Longtown has been awarded to power engineering firm Smith Brothers.

The Elland, West Yorkshire, company will carry out the work at Hallburn Farm.

It was awarded the contract by the firm behind the windfarm, REG Power Management, based in Cornwall.

Six turbines are being erected at the site, with the aim of generating 13.2MW of power. It is expected that this will be completed by the end of this year, when the windfarm will be exporting to Electricity North West.

Smith Brothers is now responsible for the diversion and underground cabling of 1.5km (0.9 miles) of overhead lines running across the site.

The company will also fit out the substation and supply both a switchboard and control equipment.

It will also carry out a seven-month phase of works around a substation. This will also include addition equipment around the structure

The firm will also design and install a full site earthing system and comprehensive cabling package.

Director John Smith said: “Wind power has an increasingly important role to play in the UK’s energy agenda, and the demand for our services in this sector shows just how progressive the renewables industry has become."

This is the fourth REG project his firm has worked on.