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View ServiceThe London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) Reaches Second Energisation Milestone
On 19th March 2025, The London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) team successfully achieved its second energisation milestone, with both 2.5km circuits between Hurst substation and Crayford now live.
LPT2 is a £1 billion project rewiring South London through 32.5km of 3m diameter underground tunnels. This vital work will help ensure that Londoners remain connected to safe and reliable electricity supplies. The tunnels will carry 200km of high-voltage cables beneath the road network from Wimbledon to Crayford.
Since the project kicked off in 2020, the team has worked closely with supply chain partners, including Hochtief-Murphy Joint Venture, Taihan, Balfour Beatty and Linxon, to keep the project on schedule and within budget. Following the recent energisation milestones, the next energisation is planned for late summer this year, between Hurst and New Cross. The project set to complete in 2026.
G&T’s Contribution to LPT2’s Success
G&T has played a critical role in LPT2, providing expertise across various disciplines, including Commercial, Project Management Office, Planning and Project Management roles. Our contributions have been key to maintaining financial control, optimising procurement and ensuring efficient programme management.
We developed cost assurance processes to rigorously assess contractors’ compensation claims, ensuring value for money while maintaining transparency and contractual compliance.
Beyond cost management, G&T has also been involved in the day-to-day planning, working closely with clients to produce integrated enterprise programmes across the three circuits. The team has also managed the overall project budget, leveraging Power BI reporting tools to enhance financial transparency, streamline reviews and support National Grid with Ofgem regulatory responses.
By fostering collaboration between stakeholders, G&T has helped mitigate risks, improve communication and drive efficiency.
Achievements
LPT2 has achieved several major milestones, establishing itself as a benchmark project for the energy sector.
One of its most significant achievements will be the delivery of the UK's first 400kV GIS substation to be free of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) at its Bengeworth Road site, eliminating a gas approximately 23,000 times more harmful than carbon dioxide (C02). In partnership with Linxon, LPT2 has introduced SF6-free 400kV GIS solutions, aligning with the UK’s 2050 net-zero goals and setting a new standard for sustainable infrastructure.
The project’s final tunnelling breakthrough at its Eltham site in September 2023, marked the completion of 32.5km of tunnels — 19 days ahead of schedule. This included vertical shafts ranging from 9 to 15m in diameter and up to 55 metres deep. Using four tunnel boring machines, 900,000 tonnes of earth (equivalent in volume to half of Wembley Stadium) were excavated, with 99.98% diverted from landfill.
At Hurst substation, the team completed a world-record cement-free concrete pour to fill the base of its 55-metre deep shaft. This innovation highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable construction while maintaining engineering excellence.
Beyond engineering, LPT2 has inspired future generations. Aiming to reach 100,000 pupils through a STEM and Careers programme, it has already reached over 135,000 pupils providing valuable industry insight and encouraging careers in engineering and energy. This initiative supports National Grid’s employment goals and the UK energy sector’s 2050 net-zero targets.
LPT2 has also been at the forefront of collaborative project delivery, becoming the first National Grid project to operate under Project 13. This approach promotes multiparty collaboration, holistic designs, integrated programmes and incentivised performance model, ensuring all stakeholders work towards common goals.
Conclusion
LPT2 represents a significant investment in South London's electricity infrastructure and highlights National Grid's commitment to sustainability.
G&T's positive contributions in cost management, programme management, financial governance and stakeholder collaboration has been key to delivering the project efficiently and within budget. As LPT2 progresses towards its 2026 completion, it stands as a landmark infrastructure project ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for Londoners for years to come.