London Power Tunnels

Our role included undertaking the feasibility design and has also involved monitoring and agreeing the design and construction of 32km of tunnels and 14 shafts, the installation of 64km of high voltage cable, and the construction of two major substations.

We've played a key part in managing risk and project controls, improving safety and driving value. The tunnels will provide the infrastructure to install high voltage electricity connection between existing and new substations across the capital. As part of an overarching risk management strategy, safety is a fundamental day-to-day consideration for every individual.

Challenges

Due to the programme’s large size, complexity and interfaces with various contractors, it has been crucial to maintain strict controls. We held risk workshops with stakeholders to agree the most efficient and safe solutions.

Solutions

We have helped manage high project risks while avoiding the significant cost of transferring these to their supply chain. These include planning applications, easements, land acquisition and equipment procurement.

We developed the strategy, configuration, development and implementation of client-side risk management processes, risk analysis and reporting risk exposure for the project portfolio. Not only will this help the project achieve its goals, it has also enabled National Grid to demonstrate risk management techniques to the insurance providers.

Regular risk workshops with stakeholders and detailed quantitative risk analyses have been fundamental to ensuring that assumptions and cost estimates are realistic and that the risk forecast is controlled and reported.

Value and benefits

Our approach to risk management has enabled the client to have a common understanding of the issues and contributed to a reduction of their costs. The client is also now better placed to manage risk.

Working closely with the contractors and taking part in risk workshops throughout provided early visibility of issues along with better opportunities to mitigate or consider alternative options to reduce associated risks.