Whitfield Consulting Services (WCS) supports transmission and distribution network operators, framework delivery partners, independent connection providers (ICPs) and contractors across the UK and Ireland.
From National Grid’s London Power Tunnels 2 programme and Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind connection, to SP Energy Networks’ Eccles Substation Extension and UK Power Networks’ and SSEN RIIO-ED2 network upgrades, our team supports the delivery of transmission, distribution and renewable energy projects across the UK and Ireland.
The following projects highlight the breadth of our capability across the regulated electricity sector.
London Power Tunnels 2: Future-proofing London’s electricity network
Client: Linxon | End client: National Grid
National Grid’s £750 million London Power Tunnels 2 programme is a landmark engineering project to modernise and future-proof the capital’s electricity network.
The project involves the construction of 32.5 km of 3m diameter underground tunnels and connecting four existing and two new substation sites via high-voltage cables that form a critical part of the city’s modernised transmission system.
WCS is contributing civil and structural engineering design for several key substation sites along the tunnel route, supporting safe construction within live substations and densely constrained urban environments. WCS is also enabling effective coordination across multiple stakeholders through digital design platforms, helping to manage interfaces, reduce risk and support programme delivery.
UK Power Networks RIIO-ED2 framework: Upgrading critical distribution infrastructure
Client: UK Power Networks Services | End client: UK Power Networks
Alongside major transmission projects, WCS is supporting UK Power Networks Services under Ofgem’s RIIO-ED2 framework, a regulatory framework which runs from 2023 to 2028, focused on enabling the transition to Net Zero, strengthening network resilience, and funding essential upgrades to the UK’s electricity distribution networks.
WCS delivered concept design, detailed design, temporary works, and construction support across several transformer replacement and network reinforcement projects. Each site presented its own constraints, including live substation environments, limited archive information, challenging site layouts, existing structures and interfaces with electrical design, cable management and earthing systems.
The projects required close coordination with electrical designers and delivery teams, assessment of existing infrastructure for reuse, and the development of construction solutions that minimised disruption while supporting future network capacity requirements.
Hornsea 3: Connecting the world’s largest offshore wind farm
Client: Hitachi Energy | End client: Ørsted
Hornsea 3 will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm upon completion, generating enough renewable electricity to power more than three million homes – transmitted to shore via HVDC subsea cables into a new HVDC converter station, which in turn connects to Norwich Main Substation.
Working with Hitachi Energy, WCS delivered civil engineering design for the substation extension at Norwich Main Station.
WCS undertook the design of Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and Portable Relay Room (PRR) foundations, as well as cable containment infrastructure comprising precast troughs and duct routes. Following completion of the design phase, WCS continued to support the project by providing Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) services and construction support, assisting the client in resolving site challenges and facilitating efficient project delivery.
Decisions by the WCS team reduced embodied carbon by up to 25% through applied sustainable material solutions and a standardised design approach.
Eccles Substation Extension: Integrating advanced compensation technology
Client: Hitachi Energy | End client: SP Energy Networks
The Eccles Substation Extension is the UK’s first project to combine static and synchronous compensation equipment. Once operational, the site will deliver up to 280 MW, enough to power more than 360,000 homes, supporting renewable energy integration and stabilising the grid.
WCS provided civil and structural engineering services, our scope including tender support, design assurance, value engineering, specialist foundation design, and full-time Resident Civil Engineer oversight. We ensured quality assurance (QA) compliance, resolved technical queries, and facilitated liaison between contractor and client.
WCS planned and coordinated temporary works to support heavy equipment installation, crane and piling platforms, gantry lifting arrangements and the delivery of 200+ tonne synchronous compensator units, ensuring safe and efficient construction within a complex operational environment.
Supporting SSEN substation upgrade programmes
Client: Aureos
WCS is supporting Aureos through the delivery of substation upgrade programmes, providing civil and structural engineering services from early-stage feasibility through to detailed design.
Responsibilities include design of AIS compounds, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) buildings, high-voltage steel structures and their foundations, cable containment systems comprising troughs and ducts, transformer bunds, access roads, drainage, perimeter fencing, and tailored detailed survey specifications.
Across these projects, the WCS team applies standardised design processes and QA procedures aligned with SSEN requirements; manages constrained site conditions and live operations; and coordinates across civil and electrical disciplines for installation and compliance.
WCS’s approach across Power & Energy projects
Across transmission, distribution and renewable energy connection projects, WCS supports clients by:
- Providing the competencies and project roles required for regulated infrastructure projects, including Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) civil, Temporary Works Coordinator and Resident Civil Engineer capability.
- Applying experience across DNO, transmission and renewable energy infrastructure projects throughout the UK and Ireland.
- Supporting projects from feasibility and FEED through to detailed design, temporary works and construction.
- Collaborating closely with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary design teams.
- Delivering practical, constructible solutions for live and constrained operational environments.
- Applying standardised design processes and QA procedures that can be readily integrated into framework delivery programmes.
- Identifying opportunities to reduce risk, improve constructability, reuse existing assets and reduce material use.
- Providing responsive technical support throughout project delivery.
Looking for support on your next grid infrastructure project?
Whether you are a transmission network operator, DNO, ICP, framework delivery partner or contractor delivering substation upgrades, network reinforcement schemes or renewable energy connections, WCS can provide the civil and structural engineering capabilities needed to support efficient and compliant delivery.
To discuss your next project or framework requirements, contact our Power & Energy team at power@wcs-consult.co.uk or visit www.wcs-consult.co.uk.
