BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms driving the energy transition, has been awarded a £84million project by GE Steam Power Systems to provide electrical and instrumentation solutions to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. When complete, Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver 7% of
SCAPE, one the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has today announced the launch of two new Utilities Consultancy Frameworks and the consultants that will deliver up to £1.25bn of investment across the UK. A £750m framework has been announced for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, alongside a dedicated £500m
Global heavy lifting tower crane specialists, Marr Contracting, have been awarded the contract to deliver specialised heavy lifting crane services on the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) near Northwich, Cheshire. A joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and FCC Environment, the 60MW energy from waste (EfW) plant will have
The tunnel will be used to carry power cables for HS2’s Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) set to build the high-speed rail line to Euston. UK Power Networks is providing HS2 with 45MVA of electricity supply to facilitate the construction of the high-speed railway. Three new high voltage cable circuits around
Responding to the publication of National Grid ESO’s investment plan, detailed in the report ‘Beyond 2030’, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association, said; “This plan is an important step in upgrading our grid, which is vital if we are to support greater electrification, the use of more low carbon
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has reached an important milestone in its gas distribution network upgrade programme with Cadent. Costain is replacing approximately 340km of gas main line each year in Cadent’s East of England network, the largest of Cadent’s five gas networks across the UK. Through working collaboratively with
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has been selected by Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) as one of nine specialist partners for a landmark carbon capture scheme with a combined value of around £4bn. NZT Power and NEP are joint ventures involving the global
Balfour Beatty today announces that, alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova, it has received a Letter of Intent from bp, on behalf of NZT Power Limited, to progress with the next phase of the Net Zero Teesside Power project. Net Zero Teesside Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor,
Balfour Beatty has begun work with SSEN Transmission on the development of nine Electricity Transmission projects across the north of Scotland. The work forms part of SSEN Transmission’s ‘Pathway to 2030’ network redevelopment programme, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed in August 2023. This first phase of works will see
£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and
BGEN, one of the UK’s largest engineering firms driving the energy transition, has been awarded a £84million project by GE Steam Power Systems to provide electrical and instrumentation solutions to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. When complete, Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver 7% of the UK’s CO2-free energy for the next 60 years. The plant is projected to generate 3.2+ GW to the grid – that’s enough to power 6million homes, whilst saving 9million tons of CO2 emissions a year. GE Steam Power will supply the two conventional power islands for HPC, which include the Arabelle steam turbine, generator and other critical equipment. The Arabelle produces 2% more power output than a traditional configuration, has a 99.96% reliability rate and will be the largest ever to be built – and each capable of each producing 1,770 MW of electrical power. BGEN’s remit includes the design, supply and installation of electrical and instrumentation packages for Unit 1 and Unit 2 Turbine Halls of the nuclear power plant. Standing at 50 metres high, each will house one of the world’s largest Arabelle steam turbines, along with a generator and other critical equipment. In terms of electrical scope, BGEN’s turnkey project solution include the installation of the Isolated Phase Busducts (IPBs), design verification, seismic qualification, supply and installation of structural support and containment systems, the installation of electrical equipment and cables, in addition to termination and testing. BGEN’s project scope for instrumentation engineering includes the design and seismic qualification of instrument frames and canopies, the fabrication and final assembly of instrumentation and associated equipment, the supply and installation of structural support and containment systems and instrument tubing, the installation of field instruments and associated equipment, as well as cable installation, termination and testing. Zied Ben-Chabaane, Site Director at GE Steam Power Systems, said: “We are delighted to sign the subcontractor agreement, for the electrical and instrumentation and control package at Hinkley Point C, with our preferred bidder, UK electrical subcontractor BGEN. “In doing so, we mark a very important milestone in our subcontracting journey, which will support our Hinkley Point C project execution plan. Our agreement is the result of effective collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie amongst our teams at GE Steam Power Systems, BGEN, as well as the support from our client and EDF Energy subsidiary, NNB GenCo. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved for their great work and dedication to be able to reach this achievement. We are very confident that together with BGEN, this project will be a great success.” Robin Whitehead, CEO of BGEN said: “This contract that we’ve secured with GE Power Systems is our latest prestigious win within the nuclear energy sector. It’s testament to our proven collaborative approach and ability to deliver turnkey solutions in a highly regulated environment.” For further information on BGEN visit https://b-gen.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SCAPE, one the UK’s leading public sector procurement specialists, has today announced the launch of two new Utilities Consultancy Frameworks and the consultants that will deliver up to £1.25bn of investment across the UK. A £750m framework has been announced for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, alongside a dedicated £500m framework for Scotland. The two frameworks have been designed to empower utility sector organisations to shape their utilities programmes and projects, whilst supporting the delivery of low-carbon infrastructure and sustainability targets. Perfect Circle and AtkinsRéalis (with subsidiary support from Arcadis) have been appointed to deliver projects and professional services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Perfect Circle and Arcadis (with subsidiary support from AtkinsRéalis) have been appointed to the Scotland framework – which will be managed and operated by SCAPE Scotland. Both frameworks have been procured in compliance with the UK’s Utilities Contract Regulations and the Scottish Utilities Contracts Regulations. Running for a period of four years, with an option to extend for a further two years, the new Utilities Consultancy Frameworks are aligned to deliver solutions and services across a range of sectors, including ports and harbours, rail and metro, nuclear, aviation, water, renewables, energy (gas and electricity including maintenance), and telecommunications. Clients will have access to a suite of professional services including strategic advice, engineering services, design services, project management and quantity surveying. The direct award frameworks operate a parallel lotting structure, which gives clients a choice of industry-leading consultants, providing greater certainty for cost and project timelines, as well as enabling clients to quickly leverage commissions and assure earliest possible completion. These frameworks follow the announcement of SCAPE’s Utilities Works and Services frameworks, which launched in January with the aim of helping utility sector clients futureproof their infrastructure delivery, while responding to their wider sustainability goals. Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive for SCAPE said: “The new utilities frameworks have been created to give our clients access to a pool of market-leading professional services, while complementing SCAPE’s suite of consultancy, civil engineering and construction frameworks. The chosen delivery partners align with SCAPE’s values of sustainability and social impact – principles that guide every project procured via our frameworks. “Leveraging strategic advice, innovative design, and efficient project management, SCAPE’s goal is to help the utility sector enhance the delivery of low-carbon infrastructure projects, from unlocking the value of existing assets to navigating the challenges of realising futureproofed, innovative schemes. Ultimately, this translates into improved services, economic growth, and a more sustainable future for communities across the UK.” John Simons, Group Procurement Director at SCAPE, added: “SCAPE’s partner selection process ensures that only the most capable and collaborative firms join the frameworks. The partners on our new frameworks, AtkinsRéalis, Arcadis and Perfect Circle, bring a wealth of experience and expertise. As with all SCAPE’s frameworks, the new utilities consultancy offer operates a direct award model, promoting transparency, agility, and best practice. By not only adhering to industry regulations but continuing to invest in research and development, SCAPE’s goal is to create a robust foundation for successful project delivery now and in the future.” James Butler, Managing Director for Project and Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company, said: “This new framework from SCAPE has huge potential, especially in its ability to seamlessly unlock access to AtkinsRéalis’ full range of multi-disciplinary services for those organisations in the regulated utilities market, which are ready to reap its benefits. “With our market-leading expertise in sectors such as water, transport, energy and nuclear and many others, we look forward to delivering our technical excellence through the utilities framework, working with partners such as Arcadis and further building on our relationship with SCAPE.” Victoria Brambini, Managing Director for Perfect Circle, a consortium of top-tier professional services partners, said: “Perfect Circle is delighted to be awarded the SCAPE Utilities Consultancy Services frameworks. Our unique prime contracting collaboration will allow utility providers to use these frameworks to accelerate their commissioning of unlimited professional services from industry experts and extensive supply chain in every sector. “All SCAPE frameworks deliver to gold standard, outperforming the value for money tests essential for today’s economy. The new utilities frameworks are specially shaped for the essential infrastructure across the UK, so we’re hugely proud to continue delivering on SCAPE’s commitments to unlock value and enhance communities. We have harnessed the broadest consortium of experts especially for this framework who will together help shape better national utilities infrastructure for a greener, safer, brighter future.” Mac Alghita, Mobility Global Strategy Implementation Director at Arcadis, which delivers sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets, said: “Arcadis is thrilled to extend our relationship with SCAPE as we introduce a major new framework that perfectly aligns with our new global strategy which focusses on accelerating a planet positive future. Our commitment lies in delivering best in class, digitally enabled and sustainable solutions to our clients and their customers. “We take immense pride in being appointed to Lot 1 of the Utilities Framework in Scotland and eagerly anticipate collaborating with partners AtkinsRéalis, Perfect Circle and other SCAPE partners across the UK. The opportunity to provide specialist services to new and existing client organisations in ports and aviation, energy and nuclear, water, communications, transport, and rail sectors is incredibly exciting.” The SCAPE Utilities Consultancy frameworks will now enter the mobilisation phase, with clients anticipated to begin using these frameworks from the end of April 2024. For more information, please visit www.scape.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global heavy lifting tower crane specialists, Marr Contracting, have been awarded the contract to deliver specialised heavy lifting crane services on the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) near Northwich, Cheshire. A joint venture between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and FCC Environment, the 60MW energy from waste (EfW) plant will have the capacity to process 600,000 tonnes of waste per year – producing enough power for 125,000 homes. LSEP has appointed global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company Black & Veatch as the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor to support LSEP in delivering its Energy from Waste facility at the Lostock Works site near Northwich. Babcock & Wilcox Renewable, a segment of the global Clean Energy technology group within Babcock & Wilcox, has also been appointed to support the delivery of the power train, which is the heart of the energy generation and environmental performance of the plant. Working in conjunction with Black & Veatch, Marr developed a two-crane solution utilising the world’s largest capacity luffing tower crane, the M2480D. The solution offers lift capacities of up to 110 tonnes and a reach of up to 73 metres to lift the 70-tonne drum and boiler waterwalls weighing 85 tonnes. The first erected M2480D is founded on the Marr Transit System (MTS) – a rail system that extends the reach and coverage of the tower crane over the site without any loss of capacity. The second M2480D is installed on a static base. The solution will support Black & Veatch’s preferred MMC / DfMA methodology by allowing larger sections of plant and equipment weighing up to 85 tonnes to be installed in fewer lifts. “We’re excited to be working in the UK with a client like Black & Veatch who can see the benefits that the right cranage solution can deliver to a project. With the ability to lift in larger, heavier components, our approach will reduce the number of lifts required, helping to deliver a safer, more productive site,” said Marr’s Managing Director, Simon Marr. “Marr’s experience in the successful delivery of similar large-scale EfW plants in Australia and the Middle East is ideally suited to emerging trends in the UK. Larger plants demand more efficient construction solutions and can really benefit from the use of technology such as the Marr Transit System,” said Steve Ryder, General Manager – International, Marr Contracting. The LSEP is currently under construction and expected to be operational by 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The tunnel will be used to carry power cables for HS2’s Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) set to build the high-speed rail line to Euston. UK Power Networks is providing HS2 with 45MVA of electricity supply to facilitate the construction of the high-speed railway. Three new high voltage cable circuits around 3km in length will be energised to the Distribution Network Operator’s nearby substation which feed into the network that will power the manned TBMs. Each of the Euston TBMs weigh over 2,000 tonnes and measures 140m in length. They will be delivered to HS2’s Old Oak Common station site later this year and assembled ready for launch in the underground box. To connect the circuits to its Old Oak Common substation, UK Power Networks appointed civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale to drive a 125m long tunnel beneath the Grand Union Canal, reaching the company’s substation on Atlas Road. 6m diameter and 15m deep caissoned launch and reception shafts were constructed before an Akkermann TBM was deployed to drive the 120m long tunnel beneath the canal. The 1500mm concrete tunnel was constructed from pipe jacked, pre-cast concrete sections. The completion of the micro tunnel is a significant milestone for UK Power Networks and HS2 allowing for the final section of the 33,000-volt cable route to be completed. Works are expected to be completed in spring 2024. Pamela Ali, programme manager, Capital Programme at UK Power Networks, said: “It has been a huge achievement to successfully and safely construct the micro-tunnel which will enable to install our circuits across the Grand Union Canal. A huge thank you to the HS2 and the Canal & River Trust for their support throughout.” Niki French, head of utilities, HS2, said: “The delivery of this power tunnel is a critical part of our programme to build the new high-speed railway into the heart of London. Through close collaboration and great teamwork, we have worked together to ensure the HS2 programme is maintained. It has been a pleasure working with the dedicated UK Power Networks team, who are always professional, helpful, and genuinely do care.” Barhale’s regional manager Ovi Frunza said: “This microtunnelling project is another key piece in the HS2 jigsaw. “We are pleased to be able to continue to play our part in the continuing construction of HS2. We are involved in works at several sites along the route, including essential diversionary work at Ruislip and enabling works at the London terminus. “This will be the first time that we have worked with UK Power Networks and we are delighted to have secured the contract for this essential work. We are looking forward to building a long-term relationship.” Jaione Echeveste, SCS Utilities, said: “HS2, UK Power Networks, and their contractors have been working collaboratively and relentlessly with key stakeholders to design and deliver this scheme. “The commitment and responsibility demonstrated by all parties throughout the project have stood out which have allowed us to achieve successfully this critical outcome.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Responding to the publication of National Grid ESO’s investment plan, detailed in the report ‘Beyond 2030’, Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive, Energy Networks Association, said; “This plan is an important step in upgrading our grid, which is vital if we are to support greater electrification, the use of more low carbon technologies and increase energy security. To reach our net zero goals we need to maximise the use of existing power infrastructure, operate this infrastructure flexibly and innovatively and build new infrastructure. Alongside this plan, electricity networks are spending and investing around £30bn over this price control period and undertaking the biggest programme of reforms in the history of the grid.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has reached an important milestone in its gas distribution network upgrade programme with Cadent. Costain is replacing approximately 340km of gas main line each year in Cadent’s East of England network, the largest of Cadent’s five gas networks across the UK. Through working collaboratively with Cadent and supply chain partners during the design, procurement and delivery stages, the scheme is on track to see 380km replaced by the end of the financial year, 31 March 2024. Costain passed its 340km-per-year target more than a month ahead of schedule, aided by the application of agile operational processes around planning, programme management, reporting and control that have delivered to targets and have led to efficiency gains. Reaching the milestone means that around 33,000 homes have had new gas mains fitted. The upgraded pipeline will reduce the risk of supply disruption to households and businesses while also helping end-users benefit from the safety and environmental improvements being made. The project has seen more than half a million excavations to date. The programme is in the third year of a five-year contract, with the option to extend by a further five years. Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network managing more than 80,000 miles of pipes and transporting gas to 11 million customers. Laura Hughes, energy director at Costain, commented: “This is a hugely fulfilling programme for our team and the whole of the supply chain. We’ve passed an important milestone and are on track to exceed our target by an additional 40km of new gas pipeline. “The UK’s gas distribution network needs to undergo significant improvements to allow us to decarbonise our energy system, comply with environmental legislation and upgrade ageing assets. Collectively with Cadent, we are improving the lives of thousands of people in the East of England by upgrading pipelines to ensure homes remain heated. I’m particularly impressed with our strong performance on safety and efficiency.” Mark Briggs, head of investment planning at Cadent, added: “We’ve been working alongside Costain for a number of years now and we are very pleased to see these sorts of results being achieved. “The work carried out by Costain is part of a big investment programme across the East of England to modernise the gas network – keeping people warm in their homes now and getting the network ready for lower-carbon gases in the future. “Of course, we won’t be resting on our laurels and as one financial year comes to an end, we’ll continue to work collaboratively with Costain to make sure that we push on with this fantastic work; looking forward to driving further efficiencies ensuring a safe, more customer focused plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the UK infrastructure business, has been selected by Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) as one of nine specialist partners for a landmark carbon capture scheme with a combined value of around £4bn. NZT Power and NEP are joint ventures involving the global energy leader, bp. Costain’s involvement with NZT Power, NEP and their partners is to oversee and manage the engineering procurement and construction of the onshore CO2 gathering system and associated utilities serving the East Coast Cluster. Costain is a recognised leader in energy infrastructure and in shaping energy transition solutions through its leading process design and programme management expertise. It has been involved in carbon capture projects since the 1960s and recently completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) for important elements of the landmark Teesside decarbonisation project. Sam White, managing director for natural resources at Costain, added: “This award is a testament to Costain’s position as a leading infrastructure solutions provider for the UK’s energy transition goals. Having completed delivery of the FEED stage, we continue to support bp as it progresses the wider decarbonisation of the local energy supply and pursues innovative carbon capture and storage solutions. “We are committed to improving critical infrastructure in the North-East of England and we are creating jobs and developing skills across the region. This includes delivering major upgrades to the region’s highways, as well as our recent AMP8 award with Northumbrian Water Group to upgrade both its wastewater and water treatment infrastructure that will improve people’s lives while safeguarding the environment.” NZT Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, could generate up to 860 megawatts of flexible, low-carbon power equivalent to the average electricity requirements of around 1.3m UK homes. Up to 2m tonnes of CO2 per year would be captured at the plant, and then transported and securely stored by the NEP in subsea storage sites beneath the North Sea. NEP, a joint venture between bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, is the CO2 transportation and storage provider for the East Coast Cluster (ECC). The Teesside onshore NEP infrastructure would serve the Teesside-based carbon capture projects – NZT Power, H2Teesside and Teesside Hydrogen CO2 Capture – that were selected for first connection to the ECC by DESNZ in March 2023 as part of the UK’s cluster sequencing process for carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS). It is anticipated that around 4m tonnes of CO2 per year from these projects would be transported and stored from 2027. Laura Hughes, energy sector director at Costain, commented: “This is a transformational project that will have an enormously positive impact on the region. The successful delivery of the project will require a tremendous team effort, and we are looking forward to contributing our unique expertise in engineering and delivery. Teesside will gain an outstanding, integrated decarbonisation system, with the East Coast Cluster set to be the pioneer as schemes are rolled out across the UK.” Ian Hunter, managing director Net Zero Teesside Power, said: “The selection of contractors is a major step forward for Net Zero Teesside Power. We have selected world-class partners who have the experience and capability needed to deliver. We aim to take final investment decision in September 2024 or before, after which we’d look forward to working with our EPC partners through the construction phase.” Chris Daykin, general manager, Northern Endurance Partnership, said: “The selection of contractors is a clear signal of momentum within the East Coast Cluster. The Northern Endurance Partnership’s CO2 pipelines are essential to connect carbon intensive projects to offshore storage and would play an important role in helping the region pursue its net zero plan.” The contracts are all subject to the receipt of regulatory clearances and final investment decisions (FID) being taken in September 2024 or earlier. Following FID, the projects would be aiming for commercial operations from 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that, alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova, it has received a Letter of Intent from bp, on behalf of NZT Power Limited, to progress with the next phase of the Net Zero Teesside Power project. Net Zero Teesside Power, a joint venture between bp and Equinor, is poised to become one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture, expected to capture up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. The project is set to provide flexible, dispatchable low-carbon power equivalent to the average electricity requirements of around 1.3 million UK homes. In partnership with Technip Energies and GE Vernova, Balfour Beatty will construct a highly efficient combined-cycle plant, integrated with a state-of-the-art carbon capture plant using Technip Energies’ Canopy by T.ENTM solution powered by the Shell CANSOLV® CO2 capture technology. Balfour Beatty will bring its deep domain knowledge and unique, end-to-end multidisciplinary capabilities to deliver this landmark project, including the company’s industrial mechanical and electrical (M&E) heritage, utilising modular construction techniques to build the M&E equipment and plant rooms off-site, in a controlled factory setting. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, said: “Today’s announcement takes us a step closer to realising one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture. It’s a significant milestone in delivering the critical infrastructure needed to transition the UK to Net Zero. “Balfour Beatty’s market leading capabilities, underpinned by our unrivalled experience and proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, means we are perfectly positioned to support the delivery of this critical project alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova – proving on the world-stage that the UK is primed and ready to lead the way in decarbonising our industrial footprint.” Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, commented, “Our selection for the Net Zero Teesside Power project is a testament to Technip Energies growing leadership position as an integrated state-of-the-art CCUS solutions provider. By capturing up to 2 million tonnes of CO2 at a large power plant, we collectively rise to the challenge of scale by providing sustainable and available energy at a large scale. With our partners GE Vernova and Balfour Beatty, we are honoured to contribute to this flagship project that supports bp and the UK in their goal of developing one of the first decarbonised industrial clusters in the world.” Maví Zingoni, CEO, Power at GE Vernova commented: “The development of Net Zero Teesside Power, one of the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power stations with carbon capture, marks a huge step towards supporting the UK government’s commitment to fully decarbonise its power system by 2035. GE Vernova will help bring proven expertise in natural gas combined cycle plant engineering, operability, and full-scale integration to support carbon abatement for this project. We believe post-combustion carbon capture can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and ensuring dispatchable power in the future.” Balfour Beatty’s selection follows the recent granting of the Development Consent Order by the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero with the project shortlisted for UK Government funding. Final contract award will be subject to receipt of regulatory clearances and final investment decisions (FID) being taken in September 2024 or earlier. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty has begun work with SSEN Transmission on the development of nine Electricity Transmission projects across the north of Scotland. The work forms part of SSEN Transmission’s ‘Pathway to 2030’ network redevelopment programme, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed in August 2023. This first phase of works will see Balfour Beatty provide technical solutions for: During this initial phase of works, Balfour Beatty will provide its expertise to support SSEN Transmission to identify and resolve any potential construction challenges, streamline the planning process, advise on the best use of materials, plan the phasing of work to ensure optimal productivity and scope out the use of modern methods of construction. In addition, and as a result of this level of early contractor involvement and the long-term nature of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030’ network redevelopment programme , Balfour Beatty will strategically map the talent required to deliver the nine projects, enabling the company to invest in capability and expertise, and provide long-term career opportunities to people in the surrounding area, including Apprenticeship and Graduate roles as part of the company’s commitment to The 5% Club. This award marks the first step in the delivery of the onshore transmission infrastructure required for SSEN Transmission’s ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme, which will contribute to securing future energy independence by enabling the connection and transportation of affordable, homegrown, low carbon power. Steve Tarr, Balfour Beatty’s Chief Executive Officer of Transport, Energy and Power Major Projects said: “As the largest power transmission contractor in the UK, we have a key role to play in realising the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets. “This early-stage collaboration is incredibly exciting for all of us at Balfour Beatty, as it will allow us to bring our knowledge, built and fostered over 100 years, to the fore of these ambitious schemes to drive efficiencies and speed up the construction programme.” Tony Scott, Director of Capital Development and Delivery said:“We’re delighted to have Balfour Beatty working with us to help deliver our ‘Pathway to 2030’ investment programme. “At SSEN Transmission we have a longstanding relationship with Balfour Beatty and the knowledge and experience that they will bring will prove invaluable in helping to deliver the critical national infrastructure that is needed to make net zero a reality.” As part of the Early Contractor Involvement phase, which is currently underway with over 100 people from across Balfour Beatty involved, work will start in Spring of this year. Main construction is expected to commence in 2026, with energisation of all nine projects expected by 2030. Construction contracts for these nine projects are expected to be awarded from the end of 2025 into 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and reduced energy costs. This latest announcement of £3.5 million will positively impact 25 heat networks across England and Wales, benefiting 5,700 residents, including students, hospital patients, and other private and public sector occupants. This brings the total funding awarded under HNES to over £28 million. Notably, the news comes as the scheme celebrates its one-year anniversary since opening for applications in February 2023. Furthermore, capital grant funding will result in annual carbon savings of over 422 tCO2e per year over the next 40 years, equivalent to removing the annual emissions of 172 diesel-powered cars, or 6,883 across 40 years. Revenue grant funding will also enable optimisation studies, identifying opportunities for additional carbon savings in the coming years. Swan Housing, an East London and Essex-based housing association, is among the recipients, being awarded almost £700,000 from HNES for the Bow Cross Estate heat network in Tower Hamlets. The funding will benefit 543 residents, enabling improvements to the network’s efficiency levels. HNES support aims to reduce heat losses, providing greater comfort and improved resilience, particularly for low income, vulnerable residents and those at risk of fuel poverty. HNES is an integral part of the Government’s broader Heat Network Transformation Programme (HNTP), focusing on developing new heat networks and improving existing ones. This will aim to encourage further investment in the sector and ramp up the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. The scheme provides both capital and revenue funding to optimise inefficient heat networks, enhancing overall performance for the benefit of residents, and ensuring they are futureproofed. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, has welcomed today’s HNES funding announcement: “Customers living on heat networks need to get the regular, reliable heating and hot water they are entitled to. This important funding will help upgrade inefficient systems, preventing breakdowns and using less energy, while allowing customers to reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warm. It’s part of our plan to ensure every home in the country can cut their energy use and save money on their bills.” Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv, added: “We’re pleased to announce the success of Round 4, with a significant funding allocation of £3.5 million, just as we celebrate the scheme’s one year anniversary. The diverse range of projects funded in this round is something we are particularly proud of, with the funding set to deliver heightened heat network efficiency for residents in social housing, those within the NHS and students at universities across England and Wales. Funding delivered under HNES plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of older heat networks into resilient, low carbon heating solutions, strategically preparing for upcoming sector regulations in 2025.” Below is a summary of the projects which have successfully secured HNES funding in Round 4. Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, over £3 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving 3,101 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Bow Cross Estate Swan Housing Association has been awarded £686,296 for improvements works on the Bow Cross Estate heat network. This funding will be matched with significant additional investment by Swan Housing Association. It will support upgrading the primary heat network pipework and the distribution pumps and control systems at the energy centre. Taken together, these works will mitigate heat losses, enhance network efficiency, and improve overall system resilience, benefitting residents. Local Authorities Philpot Square Heat Network The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has been awarded £754,609 for the Philpot Square heat network. The project involves a full upgrade of the network covering the plant room, distribution systems and apartments. New inverter driven pumps, a pressurisation and expansion system, a plant room buffer vessel, new distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves will be installed. This will eliminate service interruptions, improve efficiency levels and allow residents to be billed based on usage rather than a fixed fee. Spedan Close Heat Network The London Borough of Camden has been awarded £659,641 for the Spedan Close Heat Network. The project involves a complete upgrade of the whole network to address extremely high numbers of service interruptions. Work will cover the plant room, distribution systems and dwellings, including the installation of inverter driven pumps, distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves. This will improve efficiency levels and ensure residents only pay for the heat they use. Private Sector Greenwich Millennium Village Switch2 has been awarded £773,178 for the Greenwich Millennium Village (West) heat network to install 435 new Heat Interface Units, as well as to upgrade insulation on part of the primary network and replace automatic air release valves. This will reduce unplanned outages, improve network performance as well as reduce maintenance costs. First Central First Central Heating Company Limited has been awarded £192,562 for the First Central heat network. Funding will support the introduction of an improved control strategy across the network, replacement of the degasser and pressurisation systems and distribution pumps. It is expected that these works will improve system reliability, reduce heat losses and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Revenue Grant Funding Projects across England and Wales in Round 4 have also been awarded over £413,000 of revenue grant funding to undertake optimisation studies to review the performance of their heat networks and identify areas for improvement. The following organisations have been awarded revenue grant funding for optimisation studies: Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, for the Hollyhedge Court Road heat network. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Limited, for The Strand Community Hub and social housing heat network. Thirteen Group Limited, for
