A critical project to upgrade electrical power network at the UK’s Sellafield site has achieved an important milestone, according to Sellafield Ltd. The Electrical Distribution Network Upgrade Project (EDNUP) is working to refurbish the Sellafield site’s electricity system. Teams working on the project installed 33 concrete base slabs in 2023, achieving a key target.
Laying slabs at a site as complex and congested as Sellafield is difficult. Each one requires excavation work in areas with uncertain ground conditions. The team can encounter issues such as unexpected pipes, cables, and even asbestos from the site’s earliest days.
When complete, EDNUP will play a key role in the refurbishment of Sellafield’s entire electricity network. That will improve site resilience, bolster emergency power generation, and ensure new buildings can be connected to the power supply.
“This is a huge success for a project delivering essential asset care, creating resilience, and developing new standby power capability across the electrical network,” said Jenifer Carruthers, Sellafield Ltd’s head of site management project office. “Everyone on the team can be proud of the part they continue to play in delivering this mission critical project.”
Teams undertaking the work include the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance, a joint venture between Sellafield Ltd, Morgan Sindall, and ARUP (MSA). Colleagues from Sellafield Ltd’s infrastructure and construction teams are also supporting the project. In total, more than 500 interconnector bases are needed on the project. To date, 255 have been delivered. They will support 750 kilometres of cabling.
Image: The refurbishment of Sellafield site's electricity system (courtesy of Sellafield)
