Wednesday 4th November | 9:00am to 3:00pm

Join us for an exciting opportunity to visit the Wren Hall Converter Station construction project at Drax, one of the key elements of the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project, a major piece of UK energy infrastructure. EGL2 is a 505 km high-voltage electricity link connecting Scotland and England, helping to transport renewable energy efficiently across the country and supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Detailed Description

This visit will focus on the mechanical engineering aspects of delivering a large-scale converter station. Students will gain insight into the design, installation, and operation of the mechanical systems that are essential to the performance of this nationally significant facility. These include cooling systems, HVAC equipment, pumps, plant infrastructure, heavy mechanical installations, and the integration of sophisticated engineering technologies required to support high-voltage power conversion. The converter stations are critical assets that enable electricity to be converted between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) for efficient long-distance transmission.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to explore how mechanical engineers contribute throughout the lifecycle of major infrastructure projects, from design coordination and manufacturing through to installation, commissioning, maintenance, and asset management. Students will hear about the challenges of delivering complex engineering systems on a large construction site and learn about the collaborative work of industry-leading organisations involved in the project, including Hitachi Energy, BAM, and Prysmian.

This is a unique opportunity to see engineering principles applied in a real-world environment while gaining valuable insight into careers within the energy, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

 

Travel Details

• Depart University: 9:00am
• Return to University: 3:00pm
• Date: Wednesday 4^th November

 Booking Information 

 

A £10 refundable deposit is required to secure your place. The deposit will be fully refunded upon attendance at the visit. 

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.  Whether you're interested in energy systems, large-scale infrastructure, manufacturing, or project engineering, this visit offers a valuable opportunity to experience the role of mechanical engineering in shaping the UK's future energy network.

 

Contact Information:
For any questions or further information, please email sce-studentexperience@hud.ac.uk.