Creyke Beck is a substation near Cottingham, Yorkshire.
As part of National Grid’s scheme to expand and improve current energy networks, Creyke Beck is not only being extended to create a new substation- Wanlass Beck- but will soon be joined by a sibling- Birkhill Wood substation- approximately 700 metres away. In building Wanlass Beck, National Grid will connect the Orsted Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Project (a proposed development which will be situated approximately 65 kilometres off the Yorkshire Coast) to the area’s local electricity transmission network, as well as a solar and battery storage project.
The construction of Birkhill Wood serves a similar purpose; it will connect Dogger Bank (which, when built, will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm)- as well as two proposed interconnectors- to the local network, allowing this clean energy to be transmitted further South on the National Grid network, where it is currently most needed.
Omnia engineers were responsible for Wanlass Beck’s Front End Engineering Design (FEED), undertaking surveys to confirm site suitability, including ground investigation, topographic surveys, earthing, utility searches, and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Given the commitment of both Omnia Projects and National Grid to environmental protection, our engineers supported National Grid in assessing how best to complete the project while factoring in the potential environmental impact of traffic routes. We were also conscious to make decisions which would minimise harm to local biodiversity.
Omnia engineers established site layouts and elevations, as well as preparing single and key line diagrams. In addition to the substation designs, our team also undertook all necessary cable and overhead line (OHL) design. We provided cable layouts and route diagrams with supporting system studies and reports for the cable systems and the OHL, as well as tower models, route drawings, and clearance diagrams to cover the entirety of the project’s multi-disciplinary FEED package.
We also assisted National Grid with their planning application for the project, as well as providing technical support for (and liaising with) National Grid customers.