Project outline

On behalf of National Grid, The Murphy-Eltel joint venture constructed 20km of new 400Kv overhead line between Richborough and Canterbury substation facilities. In order to meet a revised energisation date of late November 2018, the Murphy Eltel JV worked closely with the National Grid team to re-sequence, value engineer and optimise every aspect of the design and programme. This meant we could facilitate the three month acceleration required by the wider NEMO scheme.

The line connects the NEMO Interconnector link – a 1,000 megawatt undersea interconnector between Belgium and the UK – into the UK’s existing high voltage network which will become fully operational in early 2019. The two projects together will play an important role in supporting the security of energy supplies across the UK and Europe.

Project delivery / innovation

• The new line, consisting of 60 new pylons, was one of the first of its size in a generation. A total of 240km of high voltage conductor was installed. The construction work, carried out by 250 skilled workers at the peak of operations, involved more than 6,000 crane lifts and a route that crossed eight roads, three rivers and three rail lines in its journey across Kent.
• Drones were used extensively for the first time assisting in the use of up to date footage for progress capture and construction planning. Progressive innovations like this is something Murphy is becoming renowned for.
• From the drones used in planning, to the various innovations used in conductor installation, this was a project that showcased the very best of Murphy Power

“Further to the Carillion Power business acquisition in January 2018, the Murphy Eltel team successfully delivered the Richborough OHL connection project for key client National Grid in late November 18. The timely completion of the 20km line was pivotal to the energisation of the NEMO interconnector, linking the UK with mainland Europe and providing critical resilience into the UK energy network. The key to the project’s success was the true collaborative approach demonstrated between contractor and client”.

Andy Ingram, Murphy Project Director