Omnia Projects, acting as Owners Engineer (OE) for the 132kV Grid Connection of an 89MW Energy from Waste (EfW) Plant at Lostock, Northwich, Cheshire.
The project briefly consisted of a new build 132kV GIS substation (8no. bay, double busbar), with all associated protection and control including a standalone, fully integrated substation control system (SCiS), 4no. SPEN cable circuit connections, encompassing a Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) under the Trent & Mersey Canal and 2no. Overhead Line cable sealing end (CSE) tower connections to the Scottish Power ManWeb 132kV distribution network, 2no. Customer feeder and associated engineering and grid compliance interfaces with the EfW.
Omnia supported the Client through the full project lifecycle from initial connection application into SPEN ManWeb, development of the contract strategy and supporting documentation (NEC4 ECC, Option A contract scope and site information), managed the tender event for a Contractor and made a suitable recommendation for contract award to the Clients investment board supported on the grounds of technical compliance and economic efficiency. Post Contractor contract award, Omnia undertook the role of NEC4 Project Manager and Supervisor during delivery of the works through design, procurement, construction, installation, test and commissioning to final handover and contract closure.
1. Connection Application
Undertake initial discussions with the System Operator (SO) on site selection to ensure an economic and efficient solution which is acceptable to the Client prior to formal Connection Application submission on behalf of the Client.
Review of the Connection Offer, with provision of technical support and interpretation on the scope split (SO and User), key milestone dates, alignment with the Clients planning permission and indicative costings.
2. Front End Engineering Design (FEED)
Once the Connection Offer had been accepted, we undertook Front End Engineering Design (FEED) to optioneer the most economic and efficient solution in accordance with the Connection Agreement and inform the Clients investment decision.
This involved the production of a Contract Strategy (NEC4 ECC, Option A with priced activity schedule) including
Project specific Works Information complete with all supporting technical information such as Single Line Diagrams, Key Line Diagrams (SLD/KLD), with indicative primary Layout and Elevation drawings, SP ManWeb existing system information and defining scope requirements at the interfaces.
The production of Site Information, in accordance with CDM Regulations 2015. This included all relevant pre-construction information for the Occupier, such as as-built drawings, plans, reports and records. Furthermore, to de-risk the project Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were enacted at several areas of engineering difficulties along the cable route, Geotechnical Investigations completed at the 132kV Substation locations to determine contamination level and underlying ground conditions.
The Project Risk Register (or NEC4 Early Warning Register) defined the project risks and assigns responsibility
- Production of a DID (Design Intent Documentation) for both the User works at the NG site and User/Client site, specifying the technical interfaces between them and ensuring the User and Infra Works are clearly defined.
- SLD/KLD (Single/Key Line Diagrams), primary layouts and elevations
- Programme compliant with NG connection offer (App J dates), including NG Infra Works, Client planning permission and funding dependencies.
- Provide budget costings for the project
3. Grid Contractor Tender Event
- Run and manage a tender event with selected Grid Contractors (as agreed with the Client), based upon the project development including all TQ’s and clarifications throughout.
- Make a nomination to the Client for BAFO (best and final offer stage) and subsequently a recommendation for contract award.
- Propose the contract strategy and all supporting documentation (this is typically in conjunction with the Client, as they have their own legal reps who review).
4. Project Delivery
Owners Engineer role including all or some of the following, depending upon the Client, contract strategy etc..;
- Project Management, including planning and cost control services
- Contract Management, including FIDIC, NEC3 and NEC4 contract administration
- Design Management including provision of TP137 Contractors Design Approval Engineers (CDAE) for National Grid projects
- Protection settings and studies including TP141 Settings Engineers for National Grid projects
- SHE advisors to implement management systems and assist in site compliance
- Principal Designers and CDM Advisors to provide compliance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015
- Temporary Works services, including coordinator and design
- Provision of National Grid authorised individuals
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