The initial 60MW of Arlington Energy’s colossal 1GW UK portfolio of energy storage and gas peaker projects is now live.
Contractor Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd has energised both Greenfields and Chesterfield Road locations, in Bedfordshire and South Yorkshire.
The Elland-based contractor carried out all engineering, procurement and construction works, with a 20-strong team working on the delivery. Construction begun at both locations in May 2019 and they completed within six weeks of each other.
Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers, said: “The last seven months have been a testament to the quality of the team here at Smith Brothers. As the first time we’ve worked with Arlington Energy – and on such a significant framework – we were keen to make our mark as the go-to within the sector.
“Having delivered two great projects – once of which was completed a day early – we’ve certainly achieved that and are looking forward to working on several more in 2020.”
The first, a short-term operating reserve site in Sheffield, provides 20MW of back-up power generation to National Grid. It houses eight Rolls Royce gas generators and the associated infrastructure.
The team was also tasked with designing and building a container to house the engines – which have a reduced noise level and DBa attenuation.
As the second major project delivered by the high voltage specialist, was a 132kV battery storage site in Bedford. It will export 40MW of on-demand power to UK Power Networks.
Matt Clare, director at Arlington Infrastructure, added: "I almost missed the ‘switch on’ after Smith Brothers wanted to energise a day early – but luckily, they waited for me!
“This moment has been a long time in the making, and although we still have plenty more to come in 2020 and 2021, it’s a significant milestone in the delivery of our green energy targets and the decommissioning of coal-fired power stations.”
