The Challenge
To install a new air insulated Grid Supply Point at Stoke Bardolph, near Nottingham, including the associated remote end modification works at both High Marnham and Ratcliffe on Soar. These works formed the electrical and mechanical installation element (2013) of a £30m 400/132kV substation for National Grid and Central Networks.
The Requirement
This project presented the opportunity for PEL to demonstrate their ability to deliver a high quality service, to both a specified programme and high industry safety standards for ABB and the Electrical Alliance Central. Key areas of equipment installation included busbars and lines, surge arrestors, disconnectors, earth switches, voltage and current measurement, together with all associated insulators and equipment structures. In addition, PEL supplied and installed all associated substation multicore field cabling to prefabricated relay rooms. The 400kV equipment serves two new 240MVA, 400/132kV SGTs.
The Outcome
The installation was completed in accordance with ABB’s programme despite severe weather conditions and nesting birds. These works were undertaken safely and essentially accident free. Both ABB and National Grid acknowledged the excellent standard of the PEL workforce and delivery team.
The Success Factors
Early detailed operational planning with the Project and Site Manager proved invaluable in the ongoing success of a site team which enjoyed good discipline led by an experienced Site Supervisor and high working morale. Regular detailed attention to programme, quality and finance in close partnership with ABB delivered joint success. PEL demonstrated their ability to react quickly and efficiently to challenging project demands; from Head Office stores supply to site through to adapted resource deployment, mitigating risk and delivering exceptional value. The working relationship between ABB and PEL has been strengthened in preparation for future works in true partnership.
Phil Worrall – Project Manager
“Acknowledging the added industry challenge of RIIO, my intention is to deliver true sustainable value. This project achieved this through planning, genuine team work, respect and cooperation with all involved. In addition, the whole team enjoyed a positive work experience.”
Alun Robinson – NG Project Manager
“National Grid have recently completed a multi-million pound new substation project at Stoke Bardolf and Powell Engineering were the chosen M&E installation contractor for this site. Powell Engineering came onto this site towards the end of the civil phase and instantly became part of the overall site family team. During the project I always found Powell Engineering’s work to be of the highest standard which was further underlined by their excellent attitude to safety, co-ordination and flexibility. I wish them all the success in any further ventures with National Grid.”