By Lynda Myer
The names of four proposers that were in the final list of High Speed Two (HS2), the firm responsible for developing the UK’s new high-speed rail network, for high-voltage (HV) power supply systems, have been revealed by this company.
The shortlisted bidders include Colas/Eiffage Joint Venture, UK Power Networks Services (Contracting), Siemens/Costain Joint Venture and SSE Enterprise Contracting/Linxon/ Arcadis Joint Venture.
Providing electrical systems covering nearly 280km, for the new high-speed rail connection, will be up to the winning entities.
The determined budget for this contract is the $720.58m (£523m) and duties of the winner of this agreement are: providing construction and design between London, Crewe and Birmingham, where HS2 trains will link with the current West Coast Mainline.
Moreover, the design, manufacture, delivery, deployment, testing, commission and maintenance of the HV power supply systems, are the other responsibilities of winner company.
According to HS2, the contracts are going to be granted next year and around 50 traction substations will be constructed alongside the line between London and Crewe, so that power can be supplied to trains from the National Grid.
The contractor will also be responsible for the providing of a private HV non-traction power network for supplying power to stations, depots, shafts, portals and railway systems lying along the route.
HS2 procurement and commercial director David Poole said: “The shortlist for high voltage power supply systems is another major milestone as we put in place the key rail systems teams that will take over once the civil engineering stage is finished.”
He also asserted: “Once complete, HS2 will be one of the lowest carbon ways to travel, freeing up more capacity on the existing rail network and helping to take cars and lorries off the roads. Our power supply systems are a crucial part of the project and part of a solution which will help the UK reach net zero by 2050.”
The firm that wins this contract also will have this chance to cooperate with HS2’s other rail systems suppliers during design, building, trials, and triggering phases.
Furthermore, two apart contracts containing design and build and maintenance services, will be presented by tenderer within Phase I and Phase IIa.
