The Electrical Distribution Network Upgrade Project (EDNUP) aims to strengthen the site’s electrical distribution network by installing six new substations and bolstering its emergency power generation capability.
The project is being delivered by the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance, an alliance between Sellafield Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Arup.
After months of planning, six enormous boxes containing new generators, fuel tanks and roof assemblies were delivered to Sellafield in late 2024.
Each generator and fuel tank has a combined weight of approximately 117 tonnes and required a specialist 750 tonne crane to lift them into place.
Work is now underway to connect and test the generators to get them ready for operation.
This is another step towards ensuring the site will always have the power it needs, even in the event of a national grid shortage.
Paul Wells, construction manager for Sellafield, said
We are a complex project with a huge footprint as we are routing, cabling and installing substations in different locations right across the site.
A vital part of our success has been the collaborative way in which our Sellafield construction team, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Arup and our subcontractors have approached this project, enabling success and safe delivery, to a high standard at every milestone.
