Utility Week Project Roundup w/c 15 July

A number of projects are being carried out across the sector, with millions being spent on upgrading infrastructure across the UK.

Here is Utility Week’s projects roundup for the week commencing 15 July.

Water

Severn Trent

Severn Trent is to begin the last stage of a £5 million network renewal project in Leicestershire.

The company has been making improvements to the pipes between Cropston and Leicester Water Centre.

Timothy Ip, from Severn Trent, said: “We know how important it is to have water when you need it, so projects like this are vital in making sure we can keep the water flowing through our network, and into our customers’ homes.

“This project started in early 2018, but we came across some difficulties whilst working which we’ve now resolved, so we’re back to complete the final section of work.”

Severn Trent partner Laing O’Rourke will be carrying out the work on behalf of the company, which is expected to take six weeks to complete.

Energy

UKPN

UKPN has completed a £3.6 million project to upgrade its network in Peckham, South London.

Engineers have replaced underground electricity cabling along a 3.7km route and as part of the company’s £600 million investment in improvements to the network this year to maintain power supplies for local homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.

Jason Taylor, project manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Power supplies are very reliable and we are continuously investing in improvements to the network, like this one in Peckham and Brixton, to ensure it remains resilient for local communities for years to come.

“This particular investment will boost the reliability of electricity supplies for thousands of customers across the Peckham, Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, Dulwich and Kennington areas.”

UKPN has also announced a £20 million scheme in partnership with National Grid which will see the installation of a new electricity substation to replace a larger existing substation, and connecting new equipment to ensure the risk to power being affected is lessened.

The new design compresses the current size of the substation from two football fields to two tennis courts, meaning the existing land can now be used for future works that will help future development of the area.

The long-term project is due to finish in 2021.

Geraint Hancock, senior project manager at UK Power Networks, said: “The planning and implementation has been challenging as we are connecting new cables into the network while trying to ensure that none of our existing customers lose supply.

“We are taking this opportunity to upgrade the system with better technology. This investment will reinforce the network and help keep supplies secure for the next 40 years.”

Mark McIvor, project manager at National Grid, added: “Thousands of people in Hertfordshire rely on us to supply their electricity safely, reliably and efficiently, therefore we are working closely with UKPN at Elstree to deliver these vital upgrades.

“When we both complete our works within the next 18 months, we will have commissioned a new substation which will supply local communities and businesses well into the future.”

Good Energy

In energy retail, green energy provider Good Energy has announced that it has secured a contract with British Airways i360 to provide the Brighton landmark with power.

The Wiltshire-based company will supply the site with 1.9 million kWh of renewable power over two years which the company claims will save an estimated 667,000 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide.

Energy brokers A Greener Solution worked closely with the i360 to ensure the competitive contract was awarded at the lowest possible cost, protected from market fluctuations and came from only 100 per cent renewable sources.

Randall Bowen, marketing, sales and commercial director at Good Energy, said: “The i360 has fast become a landmark attraction in the UK. High-profile sites like this choosing renewables will support a greener grid and educate consumers. 100 per cent clean power is key to fighting the climate crisis and more businesses than ever are aware of the need to switch.”

A spokesperson for British Airways i360 said: “British Airways i360 was built with sustainability at its heart and everyone working here is committed to delivering responsible operations.

“As part of our continued commitment to the environment, we are delighted to be partnering with A Greener Solution to provide British Airways i360 with 100 per cent renewable electricity.”