Scorpion generators ensure RAF Valley lights up to meet NATO regulations

“We went out to competitive tender with a very stringent specification which very few companies were able to meet”, says John Leathwood, Electrical Engineer for Amey Facilities Management. “Scorpion won the tender as it was able to provide the best value for money, has an excellent track record and the experience and expertise to undertake such assignments”.

Previously, RAF Valley relied on a single generator to support the Aeronautical ground lighting system. This left the system vulnerable as, in the event of a localised power failure, the central system wouldn’t detect the fault and the power would remain down. Now, five separate Scorpion DV165 generators are located throughout the RAF station, which not only increases the security of supply but also enables localised maintenance to be carried out without disrupting the system.

To kick off the work, Amey BPO engineers decommissioned the existing centralised system then installed the new generators. Scorpion’s engineers then carried out the commissioning of the five separate generators. Each of the generators is fitted with a stainless steel enclosure to protect it from the often-inclement weather experienced on the Isle of Anglesey.

Royal Air Force Valley is the RAF’s Advanced Tactics and Training Unit. Located on the western coast of the Isle of Anglesey, the Station is responsible for the advanced flying, tactics and weapons training for all the United Kingdom Armed Forces fast jet pilots. The base is also home to C Flight, 22 Squadron of the RAF Search and Rescue organisation and is the parent unit for the Search and Rescue Training Unit who train the SAR crews for the RAF. A total of 800 people are employed at RAF Valley including eight full time personnel from Amey BPO Services who are responsible for maintaining the Station’s facilities.

Support services specialist, Amey plc, is regarded as one of the leading companies in its field. It provides a broad range of support services to public and private organisations as well as being an owner of large-scale transportation infrastructure concessions. Clients range from companies such as Centrica, Network Rail, local government, central government and the Ministry of Defence.

Established in Andover in 1982, Scorpion Power Systems has been at the forefront of producing high technology small, mid-range and large generators ranging from 0.5kVA to 2mVA and multiples thereof. Scorpion's customers include major industrial conglomerates, commercial establishments and government organisations.