HDD underway at Lostock

We've reached a significant milestone in the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) project as the installation commenced of High Voltage (HV) cable ducting beath the Trent and Mersey Canal. This is a vital stage in the construction programme which will facilitate the connection of LSEP with the existing electricity distribution network.

This cutting-edge facility, boasting an impressive 89MW Energy from Waste generator, is set to revolutionise the region's sustainable energy landscape and Omnia Projects are the Owners Engineer (OE) for the 132kV grid connection.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques have been employed for this endeavour, involving the creation of four bores with a diameter of 765mm, each spanning an impressive length of 125 meters. These bores have been carefully engineered to traverse the Trent and Mersey Canal at a depth of approximately 9 meters, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. The work has been planned and executed to adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards.

Once completed, the HDD works facilitate the crucial connection of a new 132kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation to the established SPEN (Scottish Power Energy Networks) network. This integration will enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity transmission, ensuring a stable and secure power supply to the growing number of customers in the region.

To meet the demands of this ambitious project, each bore will accommodate a single circuit comprising of a single cable per phase. Additionally, associated electrical control and communication (ECC) cables, as well as fibre cables, will be installed to facilitate seamless data transmission and efficient control of the power infrastructure.

Omnia Projects, with its extensive expertise in engineering and project management, has successfully steered this challenging endeavour, ensuring that all technical specifications are met, and the project progresses smoothly.