Mandolin, 33kV Primary Substation

Project overview

eSmart Networks was appointed as the ICP (Independent Connection Provider) to deliver a full turnkey grid solution for a major manufacturing site in Peterborough, including a new 33/11kV primary substation and extensive off-site cabling.

- We delivered the full design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a 2km off-site 33kV cable route, a new 33/11kV primary substation (including civils), and a downstream 11kV & secondary substation network, supported by an IDNO-enabled solution to reduce CAPEX.
- Our team carried out detailed cable route design and traffic management coordination, while also developing the on-site 11kV private network and six package substations.
- eSmart Networks managed all DNO interfaces and accelerated delivery through a phased connection plan, enabling early energisation and ramp-up of the customer’s manufacturing operations.

Challenge

The original preferred site in the Birmingham area faced severe grid constraints, with DNO reinforcement works resulting in connection lead times exceeding five years.
Even at the alternative Peterborough site, full capacity was dependent on long lead-time DNO upgrades, particularly the installation of a new 33/11kV transformer.
The project had a tight manufacturing programme that relied on early power availability, requiring a flexible and fast-tracked connection strategy to avoid critical delays.

Solution

Our Grid Consultancy team identified Peterborough as a viable alternative connection point and secured capacity through a strategic review of the DNO’s upcoming infrastructure upgrades.
We developed and implemented a phased energisation strategy, enabling power availability to ramp up in line with the client’s operational milestones—starting with 5.5MVA via the local 11kV network, progressing through interim stages, and reaching full 12.5MVA capacity as DNO works completed.
eSmart Networks took full ownership of the DNO interface, ensuring clear communication, risk mitigation, and delivery alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

- We delivered the full design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of a 2km off-site 33kV cable route, a new 33/11kV primary substation (including civils), and a downstream 11kV & secondary substation network, supported by an IDNO-enabled solution to reduce CAPEX.
- Our team carried out detailed cable route design and traffic management coordination, while also developing the on-site 11kV private network and six package substations.
- eSmart Networks managed all DNO interfaces and accelerated delivery through a phased connection plan, enabling early energisation and ramp-up of the customer’s manufacturing operations.

The original preferred site in the Birmingham area faced severe grid constraints, with DNO reinforcement works resulting in connection lead times exceeding five years.
Even at the alternative Peterborough site, full capacity was dependent on long lead-time DNO upgrades, particularly the installation of a new 33/11kV transformer.
The project had a tight manufacturing programme that relied on early power availability, requiring a flexible and fast-tracked connection strategy to avoid critical delays.

Our Grid Consultancy team identified Peterborough as a viable alternative connection point and secured capacity through a strategic review of the DNO’s upcoming infrastructure upgrades.
We developed and implemented a phased energisation strategy, enabling power availability to ramp up in line with the client’s operational milestones—starting with 5.5MVA via the local 11kV network, progressing through interim stages, and reaching full 12.5MVA capacity as DNO works completed.
eSmart Networks took full ownership of the DNO interface, ensuring clear communication, risk mitigation, and delivery alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Peterborough Mandolin, 33kV Primary Substation

Project overview

Challenge

Solution

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