Construction firm awarded third national grid contract

National Grid has awarded engineering-led construction firm Burns & McDonnell an engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contract for the extension of a substation at Necton in Norfolk.

The extension will allow offshore wind farm projects on the East Coast of England to be connected into the U.K. 's energy network.

The project will be delivered by Burns & McDonnell under National Grid 's RIIO T2 EPC construction framework for substations, which is helping the U.K. adopt new forms of energy as it transitions to a net zero system by 2050.

The upgraded substation will mean that three 1,320-megawatt wind farms are connected into National Grid 's network and powering U.K. homes and businesses.

Burns & McDonnell was selected to be part of National Grid 's EPC construction framework for substations in February 2021. This is the company 's third major contract award from National Grid under the framework, which will last a minimum of five years.

In 2022, Burns & McDonnell was awarded an EPC contract for the extension of a 275-kV substation in Oldbury, West Midlands, and in October 2021 the firm secured a contract for the installation of a 400-kV substation located in Yaxley, Suffolk.

Jonathan Chapman, UK Managing Director, Burns & McDonnell, said: “I 'm delighted that Burns & McDonnell has been awarded this contract with National Grid, which reflects the strong partnership we have in the U.K.

“This is evidence of the confidence that National Grid has in our work and our long-term commitment to the U.K. 's vision for a net zero energy system by 2050. The Necton project is a key component in National Grid 's strategy to develop the U.K. 's electrical infrastructure, so it is ready for the energy transition. We are extremely proud to be playing our part in that mission. ”

Burns & McDonnell has been operating in the U.S. for over 120 years, and since launching in the U.K. has more than tripled the size of its team. It established a new London-based business practice focusing on mission critical projects in 2020, and last year opened an office in Scotland.

The business already works extensively with National Grid in the United States, where the engineering firm is headquartered.