GE Vernova appointed Safer Group to a large-scale site protection project for multiple substations (including terminal points for the Skye Reinforcement Project), on the Isle of Skye. Comprising of a 5.5-year programme, we have just entered the second phase.
The primary objective was to deliver a robust security and monitoring solution for multiple substations across remote island locations, ensuring protection of high-value assets and personnel throughout the various phases of project implementation.
GE Vernova, as part of their mission to accelerate their path to more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy through innovation, wanted a partner that shared their vision and values. Our objective, driven by our shared values and receipt of the 2025 ICON Awards ‘Journey to Net Zero’ award, is to assist and support GE Vernova on their mission on the Isle of Skye.
Due to the project being remote, multi-phased, and set in difficult terrain, it presented a distinct set of challenges, including:
Extremely remote geography, requiring off-grid operations and challenging physical engineer attendance at times.
Harsh weather conditions (fog, wind, and limited sunlight) impacting power continuity and detection/visibility.
Complex logistics that are typical, with remote island deployments in Scotland.
Communications and technical issues, including weak/no signal.
Alleviating possible friction with the local community, with an emphasis on communication and dialogue that is open, fair, and honest.
Safer Group designed a multi-technology solution tailored to the client and setting, making sure we’re as resilient and flexible as possible, in the light of ever-changing environments.
Our Safer POD® S4/X4 systems were deemed perfect for this project.
Configured for dual power capability (off-grid EFOY methanol fuel cells and mains power), they mitigate against any issue with remote locations, high elevations or severe weather.
Proposing thermal detection and analytics would also ensure that, whatever the season, we could reliably deter and detect threats that non-thermal cameras could not – handy given Skye’s temperamental weather.
We knew that signal and comms could be patchy, so we suggested range extenders on all sites to maintain consistently strong signal and communications, despite the remoteness.
Once live, we ensured that all site managers would get access to our live, 24/7 cameras via an app.
This would mean complete visibility and reassurance for keyholders.
Knowing that quick, local deployments were essential, we made sure Safer Group engineers were on the island and close to sites.
This gave our team the ability to attend site installation, maintenance, and emergency response operations with speed.
Finally, we knew that getting local communities onside and onboard with projects in their area would be valuable, so we made this key to our communication plans, too.
Award winning perimeter protection with active thermal detection, ideal for medium to large projects.
With the project still in its early stages, we are using a phased, modular approach. This allows us continuity and flexibility over various elements and components of the project.
With the terrain touch and locations remote, we utilise adequate transport and equipment, including 4WD vehicles that would have no trouble in accessing any of the sites.
Signal integrity testing is continuously being carried out at each deployment, supported by redundant communication nodes for operational reliability.
Alongside ensuring regular dialogue with concerned parties, we have reached out to several schools on the island and are in discussions over several community-based projects.
Albeit early in the project, we’re noticing some very positive and impressive outcomes that vindicate our solutions planning and strategy for the island sites.
Continuous system uptime through hybrid power X4 solutions and remote diagnostics has been achieved, whilst our local deployment strategies of maintaining a constant island presence has resulted in a significant reduction in engineer travel time and response delay.
Strong local relations are being established, including direct engagement with schools and community groups to share safety insights and community-led activity in which Safer and GE Vernova will support.
