GE Vernova has announced the expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Stafford, UK, to meet the increasing demand for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems. These systems are essential for powering renewable energy projects across Europe, Asia, and North America.
The expansion focuses on two sites within the company's Electrification Systems' Grid Solutions business. The Stafford HVDC Facility at Redhill, which produces HVDC and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) valves, will see a significant increase in capacity. An additional Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) valve assembly line will be installed, potentially doubling valve production. These valves play a crucial role in HVDC converter stations, enabling the efficient transmission of power from offshore wind farms to the grid.
In addition, GE Vernova's Stafford Transformer Facility at Lichfield Road, which produces HVDC converter transformers, will undergo upgrades to boost its production capabilities. These transformers are critical for integrating renewable energy into the power grid. Recently, transformers from this site were installed at the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm in the North Sea, supporting the 1.4GW project.
Philippe Piron, chief executive of GE Vernova's Electrification Systems business, emphasized the importance of the expansion. “Helping our customers deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy to people worldwide is central to GE Vernova's mission,” Piron said. “By expanding our Stafford operations, we are strengthening our ability to support the energy transition in the UK and the rest of the world and creating new jobs as a result.”
The expansion marks GE Vernova's second major investment in Stafford, following the 2018 construction of one of the world's most advanced HVDC valve test facilities. The ongoing growth at these sites is expected to create around 600 new jobs by the end of 2025, including roles for engineers and skilled craftsmen.
GE Vernova's Grid Solutions business recently signed an agreement to supply HVDC systems for five of TenneT's offshore wind projects. The Stafford facilities will play a key role in manufacturing the technology required for these projects, which aim to connect 40GW of offshore wind capacity to grids in the Netherlands and Germany.
With more than 120 years of experience in the UK, GE Vernova remains a key player in the country's energy infrastructure, producing over 30% of the UK's electricity through its equipment. The ongoing expansion in Stafford ensures the site's continued role as a hub for clean energy technologies, serving both domestic and international energy needs.
