EDF Energy will design, construct, own and operate the electrical distribution network that will supply electricity to the 2.5sq km Olympic Park as well as the Stratford City development.

The combined electrical network will consist of more than 100 kilometres of electrical cabling and over 100 local substations.

Work to construct and install the electrical networks will begin in the summer.

The electrical networks will be connected to a primary electrical substation located next to Kings Yard in the west of the Olympic Park.

Clearance work on the site of the primary substation has now been completed allowing construction work to start later this year.

The 132/11kv electrical substation, also to be designed and built by EDF Energy, will be a key piece of electrical infrastructure for the Olympic Park, the Stratford City development and the ongoing regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley area.

ODA director of infrastructure and utilities, Simon Wright, said:  “These utility networks and infrastructure are not just for a summer of sport in 2012 but will power the long-term regeneration of the area for many years to come and show that we are planning Games and legacy together from the very beginning.

“The electrical networks will be a key part of the world-class infrastructure that will form the backbone of the Olympic Park so this contract award is a significant step forwards.”

EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said:  “We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract to build the electrical network for the Olympic Park and Stratford City developments which further extends our involvement in the vital infrastructure work for the Olympic Park.”

“Through the sustainability features being built in to the heart of this new infrastructure we will help ensure that London 2012 is the greenest Games ever and which deliver a sustainable legacy beyond 2012.”

Sustainability is at the heart of the design and construction plans for the primary electrical substation.

Crushed materials from the demolition of the former Kings Yard buildings in the Olympic Park will be reused in the construction of the substation.

The building has also been designed to include a ‘brown roof’ which involves crushed materials laid down on a flat roof which allow species to colonise naturally.

The brown roof will help enhance the ecological value and biodiversity of the Olympic Park site by attracting local wildlife including black redstarts, a rare bird that thrives on brownfield land.

The electrical networks and electrical substation contracts went out to tender through the OJEU process and were procured jointly with the companies involved in the development of Stratford City to ensure cost and management benefits.

The Stratford City scheme is comprised of seven construction zones.

Westfield  are developing Stratford City Town Centre (Zone 1), lying between Stratford International Station and the existing town centre and including retail, residential, leisure, hotel and offices.

Lend Lease, together with partners First Base and East Thames, is the preferred developer for Zones 2 – 7, which will include the  Athletes Village for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games together with education, healthcare and community facilities and an additional commercial district.