What was the aim of the work?
PeakGen required a trusted operational partner to support the ongoing performance of a critical transmission-connected asset at a 400kV National Grid substation.
The site plays a vital role in managing voltage levels on the UK electricity network through a 200 MVAr shunt reactor, helping to improve network resilience and efficiency. Operating in such a high-voltage environment requires rigorous safety standards, disciplined outage coordination, and effective management of multiple technical interfaces.
Natural Power has provided safe, consistent and high-quality operational support since the site became operational in May 2022.
Key outcomes include:
- Reliable operation of a critical grid asset, supporting voltage stability on the UK transmission network
- Safe delivery of planned and reactive works within a complex 400kV environment
- Reduced delivery risk through structured work control and coordinated outage planning
- Effective network boundary coordination, ensuring alignment between the asset owner, National Grid processes and specialist contractors
- Demonstrable experience in network stability solutions, as part of National Grid ESO’s Stability Pathfinder initiative
What did Natural Power do to get this result?
Natural Power continues to deliver long-term operations and maintenance support for the balance of plant (BoP) at the Mersey Reactive Power site, acting as the central point of coordination and operational accountability.
Our scope includes:
- High-voltage operational support within a 400kV transmission environment
- Access and work control, ensuring all activities were delivered safely and in line with regulatory requirements
- Coordination of planned and reactive maintenance works, maintaining asset performance and availability
- Monthly site inspections and operational reporting, providing visibility and assurance to the client
- Outage planning and interface management, aligning asset requirements with National Grid ESO and transmission operator processes
- Management of specialist contractors and OEMs, ensuring controlled access and clear accountability
We successfully manage complex interfaces between:
- The transmission system operator and outage planning processes
- PeakGen’s engineering team
- Principal contractors and specialist suppliers
This is achieved through excellent cross-team collaboration, setting clear roles and responsibilities between asset management, control point and operational reporting teams, having structured communication, disciplined work control boundaries and robust planning processes.
Client Benefit
- Confidence in safe operations within a highly regulated 400kV transmission environment
- Reduced operational and delivery risk through expert coordination and interface management
- Improved visibility and control via consistent reporting and structured processes
- Access to specialist expertise without adding internal complexity
Support for critical grid stability infrastructure, contributing to a more resilient and efficient electricity network