HS2 has published its much-anticipated shortlist of suppliers for its high voltage systems. With the contract worth up to 523 million, the successful bidder will serve and provide electrical systems for 280 km of the new railways consisting between London, Birmingham and Crewe.
The contract clauses also mean design, manufacture, supply and installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of the high-voltage system. It is estimated that around 50 new substations will have to be built alongside the line to power the train. The winning bidder will also provide power to stations, depots, railway systems and other assets on HS2.
The contact is set to be awarded next year.
Shortlist
The following companies have made it on to HS2 Ltd’s shortlist:
- Colas / Eiffage JV
- Siemens Ltd / Costain Ltd JV
- SSE Enterprise Contracting / Linxon / Arcadis JV
- UK Power Networks Services (Contracting) Ltd
As part of the contract, there will also be a dedicated non-traction high-voltage power network. This will supply power to the associated infrastructure, such as stations, shafts, portals, depots and railway systems along the line.
Once in service, HS2 trains will emit just 8g of carbon per passenger kilometer, compared to 67g for cars and 170g for planes. HS2 will continuously reduce its carbon footprint as the electricity produced for the National Grid becomes greener.
