BIRMINGHAM, U.K. — National Grid has awarded engineering-led construction firm Burns & McDonnell an engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contract for the extension of a substation at Necton in Norfolk. The extension will allow offshore wind farm projects on the East Coast of England to be connected into the U.K.’s energy network.

The project will be delivered by Burns & McDonnell under National Grid’s RIIO T2 EPC Construction Framework for Substations, which is helping the U.K. adopt new forms of energy as it transitions to a net zero system by 2050. The upgraded substation will mean that three 1,320-megawatt wind farms are connected into National Grid’s network and powering U.K. homes and businesses.

Burns & McDonnell was selected to be part of National Grid’s EPC Construction Framework for Substations in February 2021. This is the company’s third major contract award from National Grid under the framework, which will last a minimum of five years. In July 2022, Burns & McDonnell was awarded an EPC contract for the extension of a 275-kV substation in Oldbury, West Midlands, and in October 2021 the firm secured a contract for the installation a 400-kV substation located in Yaxley, Suffolk.

Jonathan Chapman, UK Managing Director, Burns & McDonnell, said:

“I’m delighted that Burns & McDonnell has been awarded this contract with National Grid, which reflects the strong partnership we have in the U.K.

“This is evidence of the confidence that National Grid has in our work and our long-term commitment to the U.K.’s vision for a net zero energy system by 2050. The Necton project is a key component in National Grid’s strategy to develop the U.K.’s electrical infrastructure, so it is ready for the energy transition. We are extremely proud to be playing our part in that mission.”

Burns & McDonnell has been operating in the U.S. for over 120 years, and since launching in the U.K. has more than tripled the size of its team. It established a new London-based business practice focusing on mission critical projects in 2020, and this year opened an office in Scotland.

The business already works extensively with National Grid in the United States, where the engineering firm is headquartered.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a private, employee-owned engineering, design and construction firm with 10,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects and more located in offices throughout the world.

We develop solutions through creating passionate partnerships, placing client service front and centre, understanding clients’ needs and striving to make them successful. As a private, employee-owned firm, our success is closely aligned to our clients’ success. We are bold in how we develop solutions and challenge the norm, drawing from the whole company to find answers to some of the toughest questions. We work on some of the world’s most crucial infrastructure projects, delivering completely integrated service from concept to completion.

In 2017, Burns & McDonnell opened the U.K. office in Birmingham. With more than 120 years of experience designing and building infrastructure throughout the world, Burns & McDonnell is now taking forward a long-term investment plan in the U.K.

With the U.K. energy market undergoing a transformation, our focus is on providing a differentiated service across technical consultancy, engineering services and project delivery as the U.K. adapts to a low carbon future underpinned by smart technologies.