Norwich-Earlham 132 kV Reinforcement

Client: UKPN

Contract Value: £8.5m

Services Provided

The project involved supplying and installing 12km, 132kV, 1600mm2 AL XLPE cable, including the 132kV network reinforcement scheme for import capacity from Sheringham Shoal Windfarm.

UIP managed the installation of duct blocks and the construction of foundations in both live sub-stations and green fields, along with the erection of the steel cable termination structures and excavation works within live compounds. We used directional drilling techniques to pre-install major trunk road crossings.

UIP worked to lay the 132kV cable from Earlham Grid Substation to Norwich Main Substation, installing cable temperature monitoring (DTS) on the new circuit and installing a separate 48 fibre cable. The cables were installed in fully ducted systems using our own fully integrated cable pushing system, along with supplying and installing all joints and terminations with either ODSE or into the GIS termination box – including installing two new circuits onto tower sealing ends. Further services provided include excavating and installing ducts, cabling, and jointing bays along agricultural highways, followed by reinstatement.

Challenges & Solutions

The substations comprise cross-bonded systems, which are more complicated systems that assist in keeping the rate of the cables down so teams can push more power through them without increasing the cables' size. This project required continued communication and input from supervisors and project managers to ensure each cable and additional equipment used was in the correct location.

For more information on this project and UIP's capabilities, speak to a member of our team or email enquiries@uiprojects.com.