Major grid upgrades planned
This summer, Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) announced a multi-billion investment in energy transmission.
This expansion is driven by low-carbon electricity generation requirements and increasing demands from heat pumps and EV charging infrastructure. Ofgem, under Britain’s regulated price control framework, is to provide an extensive upgrade package including:
· A capacity of up to 19 GW of renewable power
· 450 km of upgraded circuits
· 35 km of new underground cables
· 87 km of upgraded overhead power lines
· Additional substations
The challenges faced by contractors
Any contractor contributing to these essential network upgrades must be aware of the possibility of challenging conditions which may include managing ground instability in remote or roadside locations. Contractors assigned to the SPEN programme will also have to facilitate deep or long trench runs; all factors which will demand meticulous engineering planning.
How Groundforce can support SPEN projects
Site-ready equipment, specialist in-house design teams, and strategically located Groundforce depots means fast, reliable delivery across the Scottish regions. Groundforce brings a wealth of experience gained over decades to consistently support the SP Energy Network.
Groundforce supplies a vast range of temporary works shoring equipment such as Trench Boxes, Hydraulic Props and sheet bracing systems. All Groundforce’s shoring products are verified by a team of highly qualified engineers to ensure equipment integrity and operator safety.
Design and onsite support
While excellent in-house technical support and design services are available, Groundforce also understands that clients involved in SPEN projects will benefit from their online design tool that can deliver results in minutes. YourSolution is a unique digital design suite offering standard and bespoke designs by inputting basic information online and can be accessed around the clock.
Pipe testing and flow control
Groundforce’s ‘Stopper Specialists’ division focusses on providing equipment for blanking off pipes and other vessels for pressure testing and confirming the integrity of pipes. Their PressureTest+ app monitors and records the pressure testing process and can capture data in real-time to provide demonstrable results.
The Instagrid Go Mobile Power Supply
Supporting projects like the SPEN initiative means offering a source of clean energy that is both sustainable and practical. The Instagrid Power Supply is fully compatible with Groundforce’s Electric Shoring Pump and offers a fully electric solution that is quiet and emits zero local emissions. This means it can be used in confined spaces, including excavations, and is also ideal for projects based in:
· Rural areas
· Substations
· Windfarm connections
· Cable runs
The Instagrid GO Mobile Power Supply is also compatible with a host of commonly used power tools and delivers grid-like performance with up to five hours run time; perfect for projects where the use of combustion engines is limited.
Get in touch today…
Groundforce provides a single point of contact for the construction, civils, utilities and power sectors. If you're involved in a SPEN project, contact Groundforce for early advice on your trenching and temporary works needs.