£62m M&E
project value
3.8 million
hours worked on site
35% prefabricated
services at Prism
2,286
fabricated bracket assemblies
Addressing climate change and the transition to low carbon energy is a defining priority for the 21st century. At Drax Power Station in Yorkshire, an expert team from SES Engineering Services (SES) helped realise that vision by supporting the UK’s largest ever coal to sustainable biomass conversion.
Typically supplying 7–8% of the UK’s electricity, upgrading three of Drax’s six generators has shaped the future of low carbon energy generation. With almost half the power station now running on 100% sustainably-sourced biomass, these world-class facilities are enabling Drax to achieve their business goals by generating up to 1,260 megawatts of renewable electricity per day, making it one of Europe’s largest producers of renewable power.
Due to the fast track nature of the project, the prime directive was to focus on innovative solutions that would deliver a quality product to the client in an incredibly short time-frame. Complex solutions were delivered collaboratively in this challenging live environment which included the creation of four extensive biomass storage domes – enabling capacity for an unprecedented 450,000m³ of biomass storage.
By prefabricating 35% of all services on the project at Prism, we were able to maintain the fast track programme, whilst greatly reducing the inherent risks of working at height and in a live power station environment. A staggering circa 3.8m man hours were worked on site to deliver this revolutionary project.
Through technical and delivery excellence, we provided the client with a world-class installation; delivering quality in offsite fabrication, BIM modelling, design, commissioning and complex technical engineering.
“As a UK-first, this project required the collective expertise only a built environment specialist could provide. Collaboratively, we’ve produced a feat of construction and engineering, the like of which this country has never seen, and one that will provide a long-term legacy for the UK’s renewables industry.”
Engineering Manager, Drax Power Station
Other Case Studies
University of Hull
As the student accommodation sector continues to be a source of new work for leading national engineering specialist SES Engineering Services (SES) who were appointed by main contractors Sewell Construction completed a £6.5m contract at the University of Hull.
Newcastle District Energy Centre
Supporting the city of Newcastle Upon Tyne in its endeavours to go carbon neutral by 2030, SES Engineering Services (SES) was directly appointed by Engie as main contractor to design and install complex MEP solutions on Newcastle District Energy Centre.
EDGE
Due to complete in 2026, the landmark commercial office development in London Bridge for EDGE Technologies is set to be London's most sustainable office building, setting new standards for intelligent office spaces in the UK.
