17 August 2010
A careful operation to lift a three-and-a-half-tonne redundant transformer by crane across the front of Westminster Abbey takes place tomorrow (Wednesday 18 August).
EDF Energy Networks is moving the transformer from its current site under the floor of College Hall, the medieval dining room in the Deanery Courtyard at Westminster Abbey. A new substation to replace the existing one was installed around the corner underground in Dean’s Yard earlier this year.
The investment will see an upgrade to the equipment that provides power to many properties in that area of London and will also increase the reliability of supplies.
Early on Wednesday morning the crane will start lifting the transformer measuring 6ft square, and other associated electrical equipment. At its highest point, the equipment will be lifted 35 feet over the front of the Abbey. Then it will be lifted onto a flat-bed lorry and taken away.
Westminster Abbey asked EDF Energy Networks to move the substation, which has been there since the 1960s.
EDF Energy Networks project manager Gary Drinkeld said: “This has been a complex project given the historic nature of the site. The substation plays a vital part in the distribution of electricity to many properties in that area of London and we have a responsibility to our many customers to find a suitable site nearby so we can continue to provide a reliable electricity supply for customers in the area. We are working closely with Westminster Abbey to make sure the move runs smoothly and successfully.”
The Abbey is one of the more unusual sites to house one of EDF Energy Network’s 66,000 substations and is possibly the only one which has an ancient arched doorway leading to it.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange to attend on Wednesday when the equipment is moved, contact Jessica Gallagher in the EDF Energy press office on 01473 266484 before 4pm today.
Notes to editors:
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around a fifth of the nation’s electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK’s nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.