Jacobs and VolkerStevin Team Up for Major UK Water Infrastructure Project

A joint venture between Jacobs (NYSE:J) and VolkerStevin, known as C2V, has been appointed as the Construction Delivery Partner (CDP) for United Utilities, one of the UK’s largest water companies. This significant win marks the start of a major collaboration to deliver United Utilities’ most ambitious capital investment program to date.

C2V will provide a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing project management, design, construction, and commissioning for complex capital projects. These projects will span various areas of water infrastructure, including water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, bioresources, and energy solutions.

The appointment of C2V forms part of a wider specialist framework established by United Utilities. All participating organisations will work collaboratively with United Utilities to deliver their planned £3 billion capital program from 2025 to 2030. An optional five-year extension is also possible, extending the program to 2035.

“The water sector is facing unprecedented environmental challenges. This framework positions United Utilities to deliver its largest ever program to advance environmental performance and critical water services in North West England,” said Jacobs Senior Vice President Kate Kenny. “With our 20+ years’ experience working in the region, we can further contribute vital water and wastewater infrastructure solutions that deliver stronger, greener and healthier customer and environmental benefits.”

VolkerStevin Managing Director John Cox said: “We’re looking forward to collaborating with United Utilities, enterprise partners and the supply chain ecosystem to deliver the region’s biggest ever environmental program. The enterprise model presents a unique opportunity for our businesses to collaborate, transform the way in which we work together and deliver more social and environmental value to the North West region than ever before. We are excited to take the next step in our journey with United Utilities to build a stronger, greener and healthier North West England for everyone.”

United Utilities Capital Delivery Director Jane Simpson said: “We’re really excited that we have secured some strong delivery partners to ensure we can deliver on our ambitious plans to transform infrastructure and services in the North West.

“It will be our most ambitious program yet and by putting this partnership in place with some of the best design and construction companies in the country, it allows us to get to work quickly and deliver the transformation that we know our customers want to see.” 

Regulatory Approval and Project Timeline

The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) for England and Wales will review United Utilities’ proposals, with a draft response expected by July 2024 and final plans agreed by December 2024. United Utilities currently provides water and wastewater services to approximately seven million people, encompassing three million households and 200,000 businesses.

Jacobs and VolkerStevin, operating as C2V, have enjoyed a ten-year partnership with United Utilities. Their collaborative efforts have yielded successful water and wastewater projects, ensuring safe and secure water resources with improved river water quality across North West England.

Jacobs also participates in United Utilities’ new Strategic Solutions Team, contributing to program optimization for major capital works. Additionally, Jacobs has supported United Utilities’ engineering services framework for the past decade, providing services ranging from strategic studies and business planning to asset optimization, project management, and program management. This dedication has ensured the continued resilience of critical infrastructure like the Haweswater Aqueduct.

Furthermore, Jacobs played a key role in implementing United Utilities’ Dynamic Network Management approach, powered by Jacobs’ Aqua DNA – a Digital OneWater solution. This innovative technology utilizes live data, smart sensors, and AI-driven predictive analytics to enhance wastewater network performance and proactively address potential issues. Jacobs has also supported United Utilities with successful regulatory submissions to Ofwat and secured strategic funding through the Ofwat Innovation Fund.