Plans for a new £2.8 billion electricity cable tunnel below Morecambe Bay are starting to take shape.

The 22-kilometre structure is being developed for National Grid as part of the North West Coast Connection (NWCC) scheme. The project will link the 3.4MW Moorside nuclear power station near Sellafield to the National Grid network.

Morgan Sindall Professional Services (MSPS) and its sister business Underground Professional Services (UnPS) is near to completing the Front End Engineering Design (FEED).

The companies are finalising all aspects of the tunnel and shaft design, islet, and head house development together with its associated mechanical, electrical, civil and structural infrastructure works. In addition, the HV cable system and installation proposals will be developed working collaboratively with the energy providor.

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The proposed structure will contain two 400kV cable circuits to transport the electricity. Due to ventilation requirements, as well as ensuring the high voltage (HV) cables do not overheat when fully loaded, an islet in the middle of the bay is proposed as a heat ventilation point and an emergency escape.

Following a public consultation, National Grid will apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) prior to issuing an invitation to tender.

Alwyn Hanekom, director of Power for MSPS, said: "Our initial appointment recognised our technical ability and innovative approach that challenges what the industry considers to be the norm.

"A project of this nature requires a significant level of multidiscipline experience, expertise and attention to detail, and will set the precedent for all future cable tunnel projects."

Neil Lyons, National Grid Senior Project Manager, said: "This project requires various bespoke tunnel construction methodologies and linings designs, an understanding of marine works, and all the associated challenges from both HV cable installation and operational point of view, all with safety being at the forefront.

"The team has supported us from the outset, adapting designs with multiple options to satisfy different stakeholder groups, and completing the reference design within a very tight timeframe. We now look forward to their continuing support in our application for a DCO and in the subsequent invitations to tender."

(LM/MH)