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ICP
19 May 2025

Case Study : Totmonslow 33kV Turnkey Substation

Green Engineering Ltd was appointed as the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) for the full design and delivery of the contestable works

Totmonslow

Project Summary

Green Engineering Ltd was appointed as the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) for the full design and delivery of the contestable works associated with a 33kV National Grid-adopted turnkey substation at Totmonslow, Staffordshire. Our scope included all civil, earthing, container fabrication, and electrical works—delivered as part of a coordinated balance of plant (BoP) installation for both Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and customer assets.

This complex project required full compliance with National Grid and DNO standards, including phased delivery, utility interface, and on-site coordination across civil and electrical disciplines. Following successful design approval, we have progressed into the installation phase, overseeing the end-to-end implementation of critical grid infrastructure.

Client

Confidential Developer / Energy Offtaker

Services Provided

  • Role as NERS-accredited ICP for contestable grid works

  • Full turnkey design and installation of 33kV DNO-adopted substation

  • Civil works including groundworks, ducting, and foundations

  • Earthing design and installation to DNO specification

  • Fabrication of modular substation container unit

  • Electrical installation and commissioning

  • Interconnection works between customer and DNO switchgear

  • Delivery of balance of plant systems (BoP)

Project Highlights

National Grid-Adopted Turnkey Substation

The Totmonslow development included the delivery of a complete 33kV turnkey substation designed for adoption by the local DNO under National Grid governance. Our scope covered all contestable elements—those works which can be undertaken by an accredited third-party provider rather than the DNO themselves.

As a fully accredited ICP, Green Engineering Ltd managed the full lifecycle of these contestable works, from preliminary design and DNO engagement through to final commissioning. We ensured that all works aligned with the relevant ENA, DNO, and National Grid technical standards, including safety, testing, and documentation requirements.

Civil, Earthing, and Container Fabrication

Our engineering and site teams delivered a comprehensive package of civil works, including:

  • Site preparation and excavation

  • HV cable trenching and ducting

  • Structural foundations for the substation container

  • Site drainage and access roads

We also undertook a bespoke substation container fabrication, designed to house the client-side equipment while maintaining the necessary clearances, ventilation, and cable access provisions.

A detailed earthing study was carried out and implemented to ensure full compliance with DNO touch and step potential limits, with resistance values and test results documented to meet grid connection requirements.

Electrical Installation & Interconnection

Following design approval by the adopting DNO, we began the full electrical installation of both the DNO and customer substations. This includes:

  • HV switchgear installation

  • Interconnection works between the DNO and customer panels

  • Cabling between plant items and protection interfaces

  • Control and monitoring systems

  • Final testing and pre-commissioning preparation

Our balance of plant responsibilities ensure the seamless integration of all systems on site, allowing for energisation and operational readiness within the project’s phased programme.

Outcome (In Progress)

The Totmonslow project represents a significant and strategic grid connection delivered by Green Engineering Ltd under ICP self-delivery. As we progress through the construction and commissioning phase, we continue to maintain full compliance with all DNO technical, safety, and documentation requirements—ensuring a smooth handover and energisation process.

Our comprehensive, turnkey approach gives the client confidence that every element of the substation—civil, structural, electrical, and regulatory—is being delivered under a single point of responsibility.

This project exemplifies our ability to operate not only as technical consultants or designers, but as a principal delivery partner for fully integrated grid solutions.

Key Facts

  • Voltage Level: 33kV

  • Connection Type: National Grid-adopted substation

  • Scope: Contestable ICP works

  • Disciplines Covered: Civil, Earthing, Container Fabrication, Electrical Install

  • Status: Installation phase (post-design approval)

  • Standards Compliance: ENA, DNO, NERS, National Grid adoption requirements