Since 2016, we’ve been the primary and grid substation construction partner in the UK Power Networks (UKPN) ED1SON Alliance. As part of this, we deliver a turnkey service which includes electrical and civil design, construction and commissioning.
Along with our alliance partners, we designed, built, installed and commissioned substation activities in the eastern UKPN region, completing around 30 projects.
The Little Barford 132kV switchboard replacement project was a significant initiative within the broader framework of the EPN sub-programme.
The work included three main work packages for 132kV cable works, GIS substation and 132kV tower works. It lines up with the regulatory outputs of ED1 through the installation of 19 new circuit breakers and security of supply to a large population of eastern England.
Our team worked to swap out an old 132kV outdoor raft with a double busbar with a new outdoor GIS switchboard, which needed close coordination with the clients and the GIS manufacturer.
- The switchgear was installed on a raised steel structure platform. This required careful planning to make sure that the platform and relay room met the client’s specifications and expectations.
- To reduce deflection of the platform under fault conditions large section sizes were used along with substantial foundations.
- Cable containment was significant due to the sizes of the HV cables and the number of multicores that needed to run.
- We undertook all the civil and electrical design including the end-to-end protection to make sure that the new switchboard operated with the existing network.
- We handled the multiple interfaces with various stakeholders, including local businesses and the adjacent power station.
- Horizontal directional drills were used and launch locations has to be identified to make sure that work on site could continue during drilling operations.
A detailed stakeholder engagement plan was identified for all design interfaces and third parties that had an interest in the project. An interface management plan was pit into place to understand how these relationships could be managed.
We were able to successfully deliver this project for UKPN. This project highlighted the close collaboration between alliance partners and how early contractor involvement at the concept stage adds value to the overall process.
Early meetings with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assisted in making sure that specific requirements were catered for in the design planning and construction.
Including requirements for cable installation and termination aided the smooth delivery of the construction phase.
