Contractors wanted for £470M north Scotland power cable infrastructure framework | New Civil Engineer

SHEPD is a licensed distribution network operator serving the north Scotland as part of Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

It is looking for contractors with the “necessary capability, capacity and expertise” to design and build underground cabling, substation and overhead line schemes.

It says: “Action to address the climate emergency is increasing in priority and pace and with aggressive pathways now set to deliver a net zero energy system by 2035, SHEPD must ensure that the electricity networks are an enabler for a smart, equitable transition to net zero, rather than a constraint […]

“This significant programme of work within CapEx and Connections amalgamates several scopes of work that SHEPD has traditionally delivered under separate contractual arrangements, including but not limited to substation, overhead line, cabling, civil works, design, associated services and works.”

It is seeking long-term strategic partners to “play a significant role in [its] transition to net zero and deliver great outcomes for [its] customers by driving efficiency through innovation, development of new technology and products, development of skills and supporting the growth of a locally sourced skilled workforce within [its] sector”.

The framework is for an initial five years with an extension of up to three years in one-year increments.

The framework is divided up into Lots by region as detailed below:

1. SC Argyll & West
2. H&I – Sutherland & Caithness
3. H&I – Inverness
4. NC – Aberdeen
5. NC – Moray
6. Orkney
7. Shetland
8. SC – Perthshire & Tayside
9. Lewis

In each case, the high-level scope of work includes:

• Works associated with 33kV, 11kV, 22kV and LV electrical equipment.
• Works associated with substation, cabling, OHL and civils.
• Multidisciplinary engineering optioneering, feasibility and detailed design development and assurance.
• Comprehensive multidisciplinary construction activities including, installation, commissioning, dismantling and disposal.
• Support with and management of necessary access requirements including, consenting, wayleaves, local access negotiations,
• Negotiation of network access with SHEPD including outage planning and requests.
• Interface management and negotiation with external stakeholders including Local authorities, landowners, and customers.
• Planning, scheduling, and managing pre-construction and post construction activities and compliance with associated legislative and regulatory duties e.g., CDM2015, HSE etc.
• Value-engineering and innovation to propose changes and ideas that reduce costs/schedule while maintaining or enhancing design intent and quality, value, and functional performance of improvements. Assist in the development and implementation of value engineering and innovative ideas.
• Support the resolution of project interfaces and dependencies.
• Safe by design, incorporating safety principles in design construction and maintenance in accordance with relevant legislation.
• Activities as required during storms and other times

Interested parties have until 5pm on 9 May to submit expressions of interest.

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