Atkins has been officially awarded a contract from SSE Hornsea Ltd to become its framework partner for the delivery of engineering and project services at SSE gas storage sites in east Yorkshire.
Working in conjunction with German company DEEP. Underground Engineering GmbH, Atkins will provide end to end partner support through the development and execution of major projects at both the Aldbrough and Hornsea (Atwick) gas storage sites, in addition to supporting their continuing operation and maintenance.
Atkins’ multidisciplinary approach to the project will draw on design and assessment expertise from its Energy and Water and Environment businesses, as well as project costing and management capabilities from Faithful+Gould, helping to ensure the reliability and efficiency of these sites for years to come.
Mark Jessop, head of projects for SSE Gas Storage, said: “The diversity of technical capability and competence demonstrated by Atkins is the key reason SSE has appointed the firm as engineering design consultancy for our Aldbrough and Hornsea gas storage sites. The award of this contract represents a strategic foundation to underpin a long term relationship for the delivery of key projects and maintenance support services to our gas storage business.”
Jan Bernd Meyer, project director of DEEP, said: “I am very pleased that we will have the chance to work side by side with Atkins and look forward to supporting a project which is an integral part of energy supplies to the UK. I am confident that our team will contribute a wealth of relevant expertise and will be an excellent addition to Atkins’ own capabilities since DEEP plays a leading role in the development of major gas cavern storage projects in Europe and abroad.”
Phil Malem, managing director of Atkins’ Power business, said: “Gas storage plays a vital role in our energy infrastructure and gas remains an important part of the energy mix. These sites will help secure the UK’s energy supply for many years to come, and we are looking forward to working in partnership with SSE and DEEP on this exciting project.”
The Aldbrough and Hornsea (Atwick) gas storage sites combined have 18 solution mined caverns with a combined capacity of over 500 million cubic metres (mcm). The sites are an important part of the UK gas storage network, accounting for around 30 per cent of the UK’s storage deliverability.
Atkins’ Energy business supports clients at all stages of the project lifecycle; from initial feasibility studies, through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, and in the deconstruction, decommissioning and rehabilitation of retired assets. Atkins continues to provide asset operational support to the majority of the leading utility companies in the UK and increasingly delivers such services to international clients.