Balfour Beatty today announces it has been awarded a contract by Prysmian to install 68 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) land cables from Fraisthorpe Sands to Drax in Yorkshire, England, as well as an additional 1 kilometre of HVDC land cable at Peterhead, in Scotland. The contract forms part
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable
Vattenfall IDNO launches a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, designed to streamline the grid connection for commercial and industrial developers in the UK Vattenfall IDNO had launched a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to simplify and accelerate the grid connection process for commercial and industrial developers across the
Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The
A new company, Steel River Power Limited (“Steel River Power”), has been created to build, own, and operate what will become the largest private wire network in the UK and deliver power to occupiers on the giant Teesworks development site, located in the Tees Valley in the North East of
Recognition for digital rehearsal services that are cutting costs, reducing project delivery durations and assuring safety compliance at Sellafield SRP construction site. Digital construction consultancy Proicere has won a prestigious Bentley Systems – Going Digital Award, in the Construction category. The award recognises Proicere’s development of an advanced 4D digital twin,
Electricity network operators have abolished 10GW of so-called “zombie” projects since the launch of ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, freeing up vital grid capacity, figures from Energy Networks Association released today, 26th September 2024, reveal. This achievement has been possible thanks to work being undertaken by network operators, the regulator and
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has been awarded a £363 million contract by National Grid to deliver the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project. The contract has been awarded through National Grid’s RIIO-2 framework. On completion, the project will reinforce the electricity network in East Anglia and
Balfour Beatty today announces it has been awarded a contract by Prysmian to install 68 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) land cables from Fraisthorpe Sands to Drax in Yorkshire, England, as well as an additional 1 kilometre of HVDC land cable at Peterhead, in Scotland. The contract forms part of the 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical ‘superhighway’ cable link, 525kV, to be built between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Drax in North Yorkshire, England. The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project is being jointly developed by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission. Prysmian was awarded a contract worth in the region of €1.9 billion (£1.6 billion) by EGL2 Limited earlier this year, to design, manufacture, install, test and commission the required HVDC cable system which includes 436 kilometres of HVDC submarine cables. Balfour Beatty is delivering approximately 15% of the route on behalf of Prysmian, building on the company’s appointment by National Grid in June 2024, to replace and upgrade approximately 25 kilometres of new overhead lines in North Yorkshire, which will increase the capacity to connect the EGL2 project. The cables will be installed underground, to reduce the visual impact of the scheme and ensure that the landscape across East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and at Peterhead remains unhindered for the local community and visitors alike. The cables will connect to new converter stations located at either end of the cable, which will convert the clean, renewable wind energy that has been generated offshore and take it to homes and businesses in centres of demand across Great Britain. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “With a proven track record of working on complex cabling projects, this contract further demonstrates our leading role in delivering the vital infrastructure needed to reinforce the energy sector. “Our experience and deep domain knowledge positions us perfectly to complete these latest works for the project which will power around two million homes and businesses, supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy.” Balfour Beatty’s selection further bolsters its portfolio of nationally critical power transmission and distribution projects including the company’s recent appointment to deliver the £363 million Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement scheme. Main works are expected to commence in early 2025, with completion scheduled for 2029. At construction peak, the project is expected to employ 140 people including graduate and apprenticeship positions as part of Balfour Beatty’s commitment to The 5% Club. Balfour Beatty has unrivalled end-to-end capability in the UK energy market. Find out more here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of preparedness. Customers in affected areas should follow the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Prepare-Care-Share advice. Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering at Energy Networks Association said: “With yellow and amber warnings in force for Storm Darragh, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too. “If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.” How you can prepare for Storm Darragh The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts. Prepare Care Share Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut. Share our national website, PowerCut105.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Electricity network operator, SP Energy Networks has joined forces with Scotland-based digger driver, mum of two and social media sensation Amy Underwood – AKA ‘The Digger Girl ®’ – to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery. Their collaboration follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable strikes across the UK, which have resulted in 12 injuries and fatalities over the past year. With the potential for underground cable strikes to result in power outages, property damage or even severe injury or death, the safety messages produced with ‘The Digger Girl’ Amy are designed to ensure people know what to look out for and what to do to keep themselves and others safe when working near the electricity network. The Digger Girl – with more than 800,000 followers across her social media channels – is famous for her creative and engaging content, industry expertise and down to earth information and advice about life as a female working in the construction industry. Previously named as one of the UK’s top 100 women in construction by the National Federation of Builders, she’s now using her popular platforms to share SP Energy Networks’ top tips for staying safe when working near underground cables and overhead lines. Amy said: “As operators working in the construction industry, safety is the first thing we should all be thinking about when using machinery. When you add in the potential risks of using that equipment around underground cables or overhead powerlines, it’s even more important – we all deserve to go home at the end of the working day. “That’s why this content with SP Energy Networks is so important for people to see, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts to support a safer work site for operators like me. If I had one bit of advice, it would be to make sure you follow these easy safety tips at all times when on site – they really could save your life!” Amy’s top tips for staying safe near underground cables and overhead power lines are: Derek Bell, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “It’s fantastic to have ‘The Digger Girl’ on board to help share SP Energy Networks’ vital messages about recognising potential electrical hazards and how to stay safe while working near the electricity network. We know that many people working in the construction industry will routinely follow this advice, but evidence shows that’s not always the case and one injury – or worse – is one too many when there are lots of ways to keep ourselves safe. “I’ve no doubt Amy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in the industry combined with her brilliant storytelling style will ensure we reach as many people as possible – it really is the perfect way to help boost industry safety.” For further information and details on SP Energy Networks construction safety advice, please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/safety. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vattenfall IDNO launches a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, designed to streamline the grid connection for commercial and industrial developers in the UK Vattenfall IDNO had launched a Grid Capacity Insights Platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to simplify and accelerate the grid connection process for commercial and industrial developers across the UK. This platform provides developers with detailed data on power availability, grid constraints, and capacity at various voltage levels, enabling smarter site selection and reducing the risk of delays or failed grid applications. “With the UK on its journey to net-zero, we are aiming to remove as many obstacles as we can in the grid connection process,” says Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO. “Our Grid Capacity Insights Platform enables large-scale developers to navigate the complexities of grid connectivity, accelerating the electrification of energy intensive sectors to support the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.” Leading the transition to net-zero The platform is designed to benefit solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project developers, as well as large industrial energy consumers, by offering actionable insights on the most suitable points of connection. Vattenfall IDNO can also suggest practical cable routes and deliver comprehensive reports to streamline the application process. For major project developers, Vattenfall IDNO’s Grid Connections Consultancy service can even be delivered at no charge when Vattenfall adopts the network, helping to reduce the costs of successful grid applications. The Grid Capacity Insights Platform is part of Vattenfall’s broader consultancy service, which guides developers through the entire grid connection process, from feasibility assessments to project delivery. Vattenfall also supports the tendering of contestable works and manages network implementation, helping developers navigate the technical and administrative complexities of grid connectivity. To further ease the process, Vattenfall IDNO can even waive consultancy fees for developers who opt for network adoption, reducing the cost burden for those moving towards electrified infrastructure. This approach provides practical support for developers focused on integrating electric energy solutions into their projects. The platform provides a valuable tool for advancing the UK’s transition towards a decarbonised economy by providing clear data on power availability and grid capacity. It helps developers streamline site selection and grid application processes. The technology reduces the complexities of grid access, empowering developers to progress confidently with their projects and contribute to the nation’s net-zero goals. For further information or to explore the Grid Capacity Insights Platform, please visit the Vattenfall IDNO website. Additionally, Product Manager Bilgin Oralerkaya is available for interviews for journalists who would like to understand the platform in more detail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last Energy, a US-based energy start-up, has announced ambitious plans to develop a £300 million micro-modular nuclear power plant scheme in South Wales. The project aims to deliver four innovative 20 MWe micro-modular nuclear units, generating a total of 80 MWe – enough to power approximately 244,000 homes annually. The plants will be built in Bridgend County, on the former Llynfi Power Station site, with completion of the first unit expected by 2027, pending regulatory approvals. Last Energy’s cutting-edge technology promises a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels, marking a key step in the UK’s push for sustainable energy solutions. Boost for the Local Economy and Clean Energy Goals This project is not only a major development in the UK’s energy landscape but also a significant investment in the local economy. Around 100 full-time jobs will be created for the Bridgend community, with at least 10% of procurement sourced from local suppliers, injecting £30 million into the region. The micro-modular plants, known as PWR-20, are designed with advanced modular technology, allowing components to be pre-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site in just 24 months – similar to assembling a “LEGO kit.” This approach ensures faster construction and lower costs, with the entire project funded privately, without public investment. A Strategic Step for UK Energy Security and Decarbonisation This initiative aligns with both UK and Welsh Government goals. By providing clean, reliable power to local manufacturers, it supports industrial decarbonisation and contributes to the Welsh Government’s 2030 net-zero targets. It also bolsters the UK government’s long-term strategy to expand nuclear capacity, enhancing energy security. With Last Energy’s investment, South Wales is set to play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new company, Steel River Power Limited (“Steel River Power”), has been created to build, own, and operate what will become the largest private wire network in the UK and deliver power to occupiers on the giant Teesworks development site, located in the Tees Valley in the North East of England. Steel River Power will invest upwards of £100 million, directly employ more than 20 people, and indirectly employ hundreds more to upgrade and expand the existing private electricity distribution network to accommodate the current and future needs of tenants on the Teesworks site. The scale of this direct investment in electricity network infrastructure will enable the accelerated and mission-led growth of net zero and sustainable industry on the Teesworks site. Steel River Power Limited is a 50:50 joint venture between Steel River Energy Limited (“Steel River Energy”) and North West Electricity Networks (UK) Limited (“NWEN (UK)”). Ian Smyth, CEO of NWEN (UK) said: “This is a substantial investment to build the electricity infrastructure required to achieve net zero in the UK. We are extremely excited to deliver our expertise to create the infrastructure that will generate high-value jobs and unlock sustainable economic growth. “This investment cements NWEN (UK) as a leading provider of private electricity distribution network solutions.” Chris Musgrave OBE, chairman of Teesworks Limited, said: “This is a massive step forward for Teesworks. Upgrading and expanding the private wire network will mean occupiers on the site have access to a safe and reliable electricity network with sufficient capacity to support their operations and growth. It is the backbone utility for Teesworks. “Getting a new or expanded direct connection to the National Grid can take up to ten years, but tenants on the Teesworks site can obtain a connection to the Steel River Power private wire network immediately, unlocking development in the region.” Martin Corney, director of Steel River Energy said: “Selected after a competitive process, NWEN (UK) are one of the most experienced and best performing operators of electricity infrastructure in the UK and hence tenants of the Teesworks site will benefit from their decades of expertise in the sector when it comes to designing, constructing, and operating the Steel River Power network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Recognition for digital rehearsal services that are cutting costs, reducing project delivery durations and assuring safety compliance at Sellafield SRP construction site. Digital construction consultancy Proicere has won a prestigious Bentley Systems – Going Digital Award, in the Construction category. The award recognises Proicere’s development of an advanced 4D digital twin, as well as its other digital solutions, for the Sellafield Products and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) Project in Cumbria, UK. Proicere’s digital services, such as its 4D planning, powered by Benley’s SYNCHRO, have achieved millions of pounds in cost savings, over 500 days in time savings, as well as environmental impact benefits for the Sellafield site. Leveraging SYNCHRO’s 4D, Control and Field technologies, Proicere overcame project complexities to deliver exceptional results within SRP. Through the creation of dynamic models that integrate time and space, Proicere is enabling stakeholders to visualise project progress in real-time, and to identify potential conflicts or bottlenecks. The Proicere solution allows the project team, as well as stakeholders at SRP, to visualise, plan and execute the site works, de-risking delivery years ahead of build time. Leveraging SYNCHRO’s 4D, Control and Field technologies, Proicere overcame project complexities to deliver exceptional results within SRP, through the creation of dynamic models that integrated time and space. By April 2024, its service had already saved £80 million in costs, avoided over 500 days of rework, and enabled site teams to identify over 160 risks. Thanks to Proicere’s advanced 4D planning approach, using SYNCHRO software as its foundation, construction teams can seamlessly coordinate complex tasks under tight schedules while ensuring full compliance with the rigorous safety protocols required at the Sellafield nuclear site. This integration enhances efficiency and safety, streamlining project management in one of the most regulated environments. Established in 2004, the Bentley Systems Year In Infrastructure Awards honour extraordinary examples of Bentley software users advancing infrastructure design, construction, and operations around the world. Daniel Ashton, technical director, Proicere, comments: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious Bentley Systems award in the Construction category. The award recognises the tangible benefits our 4D Planning and Digital Implementation is delivering at the Sellafield Retreatment Plant. It also emphasises the essential role that virtual rehearsals and immersive planning play, not only in driving performance, but in assuring safety and environmental compliance, in increasingly regulated construction environments.” The Sellafield Retreatment Plant (SRP) is part of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s initiative to gradually transfer, repackage and safely store 140 tons of separated plutonium for 100 years. Managing the world’s largest civil stockpile of plutonium, the plant will be crucial for protecting the environment, safeguarding public health, and advancing scientific knowledge. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Electricity network operators have abolished 10GW of so-called “zombie” projects since the launch of ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, freeing up vital grid capacity, figures from Energy Networks Association released today, 26th September 2024, reveal. This achievement has been possible thanks to work being undertaken by network operators, the regulator and the system operator through ENA’s Strategic Connections Group. The initiatives have seen stalled or speculative schemes – that were characterised by the regulator last year as ‘zombie projects’ – removed from the queue. Over the coming months, the Group is working on further initiatives as part of the next phase of the process, including ensuring a more effective and cohesive connection process between the transmission and distribution networks. ENA and their network operator members are working with the regulator to assess what would be needed to deliver this coordination, including in terms of codes or new licence changes to facilitate it. ENA’s Strategic Connections Group, made up of network operators and industry partners, is dedicated to accelerating the speed of grid connections. It has prioritised practical reforms and is advocating for strategic changes to the UK’s planning processes that are necessary to make grid connections even faster. The actions being taken include: Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association, said:“Removing these stalled schemes is a necessary step to make the UK’s grid connection process faster but it’s just one part of the solution and work must continue at pace. We’re taking measures to more closely coordinate the connections process between distribution and transmission networks and we’re working with the government and regulator to help ensure the planning system is ready to enable the connections needed for the UK’s clean energy future. “We also shouldn’t forget that these projects are a sign that the ‘connection queue’ itself requires further reform, as there was 252GW more generation and supply capacity in the queue last year than is required by 2050 in even the most ambitious plans for the UK’s grid.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commissioned study will aid the energy transition of industrial and commercial gas users across Wales and the south west of England Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) to support its industrial and commercial (I&C) gas users to switch to low carbon solutions like hydrogen. Costain will lead a study examining how WWU’s I&C customers – many of whom are connected to the natural gas network – could transition to a lower carbon network through a hydrogen blend or conversion. Many I&C customers are considered hard-to-decarbonise due to the high temperatures and energy demands needed to carry out their operations, which cannot be met through electrification alone. Research into the role of hydrogen, and the potential for blending solutions in the gas network, is a key part of providing the evidence to drive forward the UK’s net zero ambitions and reaching national targets of generating 10GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected to establish the market’s current level of understanding around hydrogen refuelling plans and users’ preferred means of decarbonisation, such as through the deployment of Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage solutions or utilising a hydrogen network. The research will also geographically map users and help WWU understand which customers will need additional support to ensure that the transition to hydrogen blending does not impact their operations. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “To make decarbonisation of the UK a reality, a mix of clean fuels will be required to meet increasing energy demands. Integrating hydrogen into our gas network, either through blending or full conversion, will be instrumental in providing clean, reliable energy for 2050 and beyond. “Through this important study, Wales & West Utilities will have a good understanding of market requirements which will help accelerate the UK’s decarbonisation mission. With our long track record of delivering pioneering and innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, we are well placed to provide to WWU with the insights they need to implement viable fuel switching plans for their customers.” Matthew Hindle, head of net zero and sustainability at Wales and West Utilities added: “The energy system transition means changes for everyone who uses energy – including industrial and commercial businesses of all sizes, many of whom rely on the gas network today and could use hydrogen in the future. “At WWU we’re committed to doing all we can to improve understanding and help our customers across Wales and the south west of England implement sustainable transition plans. We look forward to working with the Costain team to help us support our customers and better understand their needs.” Costain is providing a range of support to WWU’s decarbonisation activity, including conducting a separate study exploring how hydrogen refuelling stations can be integrated into the UK’s existing gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, today announces that it has been awarded a £363 million contract by National Grid to deliver the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement project. The contract has been awarded through National Grid’s RIIO-2 framework. On completion, the project will reinforce the electricity network in East Anglia and ensure that it can continue to reliably and securely transport the cleaner, greener electricity required for the UK’s transition to Net Zero. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the replacement of the existing high voltage electricity network between Bramford Substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex, with a new 400 kilovolt overhead line spanning 18 kilometers. In addition, the company will also deliver 11 kilometres of underground cable through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley. The company will work closely with ecologists and conservationists throughout to mitigate any disruption to local wildlife and has committed to delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain over the project lifecycle. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “This award demonstrates the momentum we are capturing in the energy security and transition market. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, we have a long and proud history of working with National Grid. This latest award will once again enable our expert teams to deploy their proven capability to successfully deliver overhead lines and underground cabling works in complex and challenging landscapes.” Main construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2025 with completion expected in 2028. At peak construction, Balfour Beatty will employ over 200 people including 10 apprenticeship and graduate positions as part of the company’s commitment to The 5% Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
