Delivering Six Super Grid Transformers for Yorkshire GREEN Project
Collett has delivered and installed six Super Grid Transformers (SGTs) for National Grid’s Yorkshire GREEN project.
The major infrastructure upgrade that will boost Yorkshire’s high-voltage electricity network and support the flow of clean energy across the region.
The project involved transport and installation work, combining port operations, heavy transport and jacking & skidding services to deliver HD Hyundai Electric and Hyosung transformers into two substations. Four transformers were delivered to the new Monk Fryston Substation and two at Overton Substation.
DETAILED ROUTE SURVEY & GIRDER FRAME TRANSPORT
The transformers ranged in weight from 195 to 218 Tonne with HD Hyundai Electric units standing at a running height of 4.97 metres, giving a ground clearance of 100mm, substantial dimensions that required detailed route planning. Our Consulting department carried out swept path analysis, high-load route surveys, vertical surveys and careful removal of street furniture. Local resident parking restrictions were enforced through Shipton-by-Beningbrough to facilitate Overton moves and Police escort support was provided by West Yorkshire Police for Monk Fryston and Cleveland Police for Overton.
For Monk Fryston, we utilised our Goldhofer 250 Tonne capacity girder frame whilst our Scheuerle 350 Tonne girder frame was deployed at Overton to manage the larger HD Hyundai Electric transformers. All units were installed using jacking and skidding equipment with steel beams used to support the load where the bund interior was not load-bearing. In one case, a transformer for Monk Fryston was transhipped onto our 10-axle SPMT to navigate a part of the site that was not accessible with the girder frame for a direct install.
PORT OPERATIONS & COMMENT FROM JOE COLLETT
The HD Hyundai Electric and Hyosung units destined for Monk Fryston arrived via Goole Dock while the Overton HD Hyundai Electric transformers for Overton were discharged at Teesport. Our scope included port operations, transport and installation for Hyosung and transport plus installation for HD Hyundai Electric units.
Joe Collett, Commercial Manager at Collett & Sons Ltd, commented on the large-scale Yorkshire GREEN project:
Both the Monk Fryston and Overton projects presented significant logistical challenges. Through careful planning, route coordination and close collaboration with local authorities, our team successfully delivered and installed all six supergrid transformers while minimising disruption to local communities and road networks. It is a privilege to work alongside our respected contractors and to see such complex projects completed safely and efficiently.
MORE ABOUT THE YORKSHIRE GREEN PROJECT
Collett’s work directly supports National Grid’s vision for the Yorkshire GREEN project, building and reinforcing critical electricity infrastructure in Yorkshire to increase the capacity, resilience and efficiency of the grid. Yorkshire GREEN involves constructing two new substations (Monk Fryston and Overton), upgrading and strengthening existing overhead lines including up to 28 km of reconducted lines, installing approximately 10 km of new overhead lines, adding 1 km of underground cables and erecting 33 new pylons. The project is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of England and Wales’s electricity transmission network in decades.
By delivering these transformers, Collett are helping make the clean-energy transition in Yorkshire possible, enabling more renewable power to reach homes and businesses, increasing network resilience and supporting a greener and more secure energy system.
