Biggleswade 400kV Substation | Omexom

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The Challenge.

In Q1 of 2023, we were appointed by Omexom UK as the principal civils contractor for the construction of a new 400kV substation in Biggleswade, a critical infrastructure project delivered on behalf of National Grid.

This new substation forms part of a £40 million investment into the East Anglian energy network, enhancing power capacity and enabling future housing and business developments in the area.

Project Objectives

  • Deliver enabling civil infrastructure for a new 400/132kV substation
  • Support the installation of two 178-tonne Supergrid Transformers (SGTs)
  • Ensure full compliance with NGTS (National Grid Technical Specifications)
  • Enable timely progress to key outage and commissioning dates

The Solution.

Our team carried out a wide range of complex and critical civil engineering activities, including:

Foundations & Structural Works

  • Installation of 1300m³ of concrete and steel reinforcement cages
  • Construction of reinforced concrete slabs for water tanks, battery rooms, LVAC rooms, and communications rooms
  • Formation of amenities foundation bases
  • Grouting of 145 precast columns

Mechanical & Utilities Installation

  • Installation of a new high-pressure water main
  • Installation of underground oil draw-off and carrier pipes

Surface & Finishing Works

  • Placement of 3000 tonnes of chippings across site roads and yards
  • Application of 140 tonnes of construction screed for the SGT bunds
  • Preparation of 150,000m² of ground for aggregation and seeding
  • Installation of 18 lighting column bases, ducting, and earthing

Key Milestones

  • February 2024: Successfully delivered and placed the two Supergrid Transformers (SGTs) onto newly completed bunds
  • Navigated one of the wettest Februarys on record, maintaining programme integrity and safety
  • Enabled Omexom UK to progress with steel erection, busbar installations, and auxiliary works

 

Project Highlights

  • Strong collaboration with Omexom UK, with whom we have delivered multiple projects across the UK
  • High compliance with National Grid’s technical standards and safety protocols
  • Delivery under challenging weather conditions and tight milestones
  • Enabling key infrastructure to support the long-term growth of Biggleswade and surrounding regions

The Result

The Biggleswade 400kV substation project demonstrates our capacity to deliver high-specification civil infrastructure under tight timeframes and in challenging environments.

As energy infrastructure continues to evolve, we are proud to play a role in strengthening the UK’s power network for the future.