Murphy builds new substation powering homes and rail in London

National Grid has energised a new substation in Barking, East London, to help power homes, businesses and rail services – including those forming part of the Barking Riverside regeneration of an area formerly occupied by a coal power station.

National Grid worked with its principal contractor Murphy to build the substation and transfer existing circuits and connections to the new facility, ensuring no interruption to supplies.

The new 132kV indoor substation connects the local grid operator UK Power Networks (UKPN) to National Grid’s high voltage transmission network, delivering electricity for distribution to 20,000 homes in the area.

Local low carbon transport services are also supported by National Grid’s new substation, with power delivered to a nearby Network Rail feeder station to support electrified train routes.

The substation replaces a previous 132kV facility that was built on an adjacent site in the 1950s to deliver electricity to the London grid area from the former Barking C power station. Built post-war, the original substation was designed to look inconspicuous to enemy aircraft.

The new facility replaces and reinforces the old infrastructure, and features 17 bays – the equipment which enables a connection to the grid – with room for future upgrades. It sits alongside National Grid’s bigger 275kV/400kV substation to boost the resilience of electricity supply in East London as energy demands grow.

In August National Grid energised the first circuit on its London Power Tunnels 2 project, on which Murphy has also been heavily involved as part of the award-winning Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture HMJV, to help connect millions of homes to clean power.

Liam Corr, managing director for Energy at Murphy, said: “Our company purpose is to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure and this project is a great example of that – we are proud to have played our part in future proofing energy supplies for the local community.

Laura Mulcahy, project director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “Our new Barking substation is a crucial upgrade to the electricity network in East London, and will help future proof it as electricity demand in the capital grows.

“Barking has played a crucial role powering London since its first power stations were built in the early twentieth century, and with these latest network upgrades our infrastructure in the area will continue to support the energy transition for decades to come.

“It’s been an exciting project to be a part of, and the team and I are delighted the new Barking substation is fully energised and connected to our network.”

Andrew White, programme manager, capital programme, UK Power Networks, said: “We’re delighted to work with National Grid on this major infrastructure project serving 20,000 locals in Barking and East London. This investment will benefit residential and industrial supplies and comes as part of our commitment to reinforcing reliable energy for many years ahead.”