UKIS Engage: HS2 Race for Power System

HS2 Ltd has begun the search of specialist contractors to deliver the high voltage power supply systems that are needed to transfer electricity to the UK’s new high-speed rail link. This will enable millions of people to enjoy low carbon journeys between London, Birmingham and the North of England.

Following the UK Government’s green light for the start of construction, this rail systems contract, which is worth an estimated £523 million, will provide valuable opportunities for companies throughout the UK that are emerging from the COVID-19 lockdown.

The winner of the contract will be responsible for design as well as manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of the HV power supply systems. Approximately, 50 traction sub-stations are to be built alongside the line between London and Crewe to deliver power from the National Grid to the trains. The contactor will deliver a dedicated HV non-traction power network which will provide power to stations, shafts, portals, depots, and railway systems along the route.

Once HS2 is operational, it will be one of the lowest carbon ways to travel, with just 8g of carbon emitted per passenger kilometre, this is in comparison to 679 by car and 1709 by air. Electricity will come from the national grid, so as the UK’s power supply transitions to entirely renewable sources, journeys on HS2 will become completely carbon neutral.

HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said:

“The high voltage power supply is a vital part of the HS2 project, and the successful bidder will play a crucial role in keeping our network running safely and reliably. I look forward to the HS2 team working with the suppliers who come forward and together ensuring that we deliver best quality and value for the project.”

The HV Power Systems contract will be a single stage procurement, with the successful bidder delivering two separate contracts, which will cover Design and Build and Maintenance services within Phase One and Phase 2a, from London to Crewe, where HS2 services will join he existing West Coast main line.

The traction power sub-stations are located at multidisciplinary Railway System Compounds, these are situated in the open route section of the line. The chosen contractor will assume the role of Principal Contractor within these compounds. The successful bidder will also be expected to work closely with HS2’s other rail systems suppliers to ensure integration of its design and throughout construction, testing and commissioning.

A shortlist is expected to be announced next year, with contract award in 2022.

HS2 Ltd is a partner of the UK Infrastructure Show (UKIS), the UK’s leading infrastructure and supply chain event, which explores the latest developments across the sector. This year, UKIS is going online and will be delivered as a live, online interactive event on Wednesday 9 September 2020.

More information on what you can expect from this new digital event experience can be found by visiting the UKIS website here.

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