Who are CES?
Constantine Energy Solutions (CES) constructs, owns, and operates institutional-grade BESS solutions. Having embarked on a large-scale energy storage initiative, they are responsible for five ready-to-build sites—Ocker Hill, Capenhurst, Monk Fryston, Whitegate, and Legacy—with a total capacity of 825MWh; each site features a 57MW/165MWh storage system.
CES funds the construction of these projects, developed by Pelagic Energy Developments. Upon completion, CES, in partnership with Pelagic, will acquire and operate the sites long-term. The project required connecting each BESS site to the National Grid via a 13kV electrical connection from existing 400/132kV or 275/132kV Supergrid transformers. The initiative was divided into three sections:
Section A: Works at the National Grid Connection Site, including the provision of electrical and civil infrastructure to facilitate the 13/33kV connection under a User Self Build arrangement.
Section B: Works covering 33kV cabling and the User Connections Site, ensuring seamless integration between the grid and the BESS.
Section C: Civil design and installation for the BESS infrastructure, including foundation works and equipment placement.
How were Omnia involved?
Omnia Projects was engaged to act as the NEC4 Project Manager, Owner’s Engineer, and Client’s Technical Advisor, ensuring the project was executed effectively within the contractual and technical parameters. Our engineers play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the successful delivery of the Section A, Section B, and Section C works.
Omnia's Key Technical Deliverables:
Our scope encompassed a broad range of engineering and project management functions, including:
1) Stakeholder Coordination & Interface Management
- Managing interface points between Section A, Section B, and Section C contractors
- Ensuring seamless integration between infrastructure works and electrical connection systems.
- Coordinating National Grid’s infrastructure protection and control systems procurement.
2) Independent Financial Assurance Advisor
- Providing cost validation and risk assessment for financial oversight.
- Implementing independent financial monitoring and compliance with budgetary constraints.
- Ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial transparency in project execution.
3) On-Site Quality Assurance
- Conducting rigorous quality control checks to ensure compliance with technical and safety standards.
- Monitoring installation and commissioning processes to maintain project integrity.
- Addressing any non-conformance issues and implementing corrective measures promptly.
4) Grid Infrastructure & Protection Systems
- Provision of relay cubicles and modification of existing control systems.
- Ensuring compatibility with National Grid’s protection schemes.
- Coordinating with National Grid on commissioning protocols.
How did Omnia deliver?
From implementing a detailed Interface Management Plan for clear communication and accountability across all project stakeholders, to establishing a robust contract administration system (ensuring that all risk events and design changes are managed within NEC4’s early warning and compensation event processes), Omnia has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of this initiative through expert NEC4 project management, technical oversight, and engineering leadership. We’re proud to continue delivering the high-quality service that our clients have come to expect from the UK’s most trusted engineering consultancy.