GE Vernova has been selected by Laing O’Rourke to supply a new 400 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation at Chesterfield, forming part of National Grid’s wider transmission reinforcement programme.
The project forms part of National Grid’s Brinsworth-to-Chesterfield and Chesterfield-to-High Marnham schemes, which sit within the Great Grid Upgrade. Laing O’Rourke is the main contractor, while GE Vernova will handle the substation’s engineering, equipment supply, installation, testing and commissioning.
The Chesterfield substation will increase transmission capacity across Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire to accommodate rising electricity demand and connect additional renewable generation. It will also replace and integrate with existing transmission equipment.
The project will use GE Vernova’s SF6-free g3 GIS technology. Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) allows high-voltage equipment to be installed in a smaller footprint than conventional air-insulated switchgear, while eliminating the use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas.
GE Vernova’s scope also covers protection and control systems, primary and secondary engineering, interface management, integration with the existing network and decommissioning of existing equipment.
“The energy transition will only move as fast as the infrastructure behind it,” said Johan Bindele, CEO of Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova.
Adam Rawling, Enterprise Partner Director at Laing O’Rourke, said the project would help “increase network capacity, improve reliability and support the UK’s transition to a more electrified energy system.”
The Chesterfield works form part of a broader effort to expand England and Wales’ transmission network and enable additional low-carbon generation to reach consumers.
