The Brief
ESM Power Ltd were contracted by the client to design, engineer, procure and construct a new 33kV/11kV primary substation to provide a firm 48MW power supply for the extension of this existing data centre development. ESM Power would also be required to provide project management and safety management for the contestable works and CDM roles of Principal Designer, Designer and Principal Contractor for the works.
Under this contract ESM Power would also represent the client and manage the point of connection (POC) interface with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
The site
The site at Corsham, Wiltshire sits within the SSE Power Distribution (SSEPD) footprint.
Our work
The main substation compound consists of three 33kV/11kV transformers, a steel cladded building housing a three section, twenty-two panel 11kV switchboard, associated protection panels and Scada equipment - all to be adopted by the client and an IDNO. This project also consists of a 33kV, 3-phase, 8-kilometre cable route from the new substation to the POC onto SSEPD’s distribution network which was also adopted by the IDNO.
The new primary substation would have shared building facilities and contain equipment owned and operated by both the IDNO and the client.
ESM Power’s responsibility for the project in line with CDM regulations included planning, managing and monitoring all risks on site, ensuring all contractors followed ESM Power’s site safety rules and were aware of all risks with the potential to cause harm.
The project brought its own very specific and interesting challenges. Owing to the location of the 8km cable route within this part of Wiltshire archaeologists were involved for the entire excavation phase. During the works a Roman road was uncovered and ESM Power worked closely with the county archaeology team to ensure our responsibilities were carried out to the highest level. The route also traversed through farmland and MOD grounds.
Commissioning and Completion
Following completion of the installation phase, ESM Power was responsible for the commissioning of all equipment including liaison with SSEPD to ensure energisation was achieved as per the commissioning and testing programme and SSEPD’s requirements.
The project began in March 2016 and was completed within the programme schedule, ready to be energised in early 2017.
The cabling to the customer's site and the two metered substations was adopted by SSEPD on completion. All aspects of this including design, materials, plant, installation and testing was in accordance with all codes, practices, procedures and specifications defined by SSEPD.
Crucially ESM Power completed this project with zero injuries or accidents to any personnel involved with the work. A great achievement and testament to our ongoing high standards in safety management.