Supporting the delivery of the UK’s power infrastructure
The UK is embarking on one of the largest overhauls of its electricity grid in generations. Billions of pounds are being invested in new pylons, subsea cables, converter stations and other infrastructure to connect renewable energy and move electricity to where it is needed.
At the same time, demand for electricity is rising. Electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centres, cloud computing, hydrogen production and the electrification of industry are all increasing the pressure on the network.
The scale of this work means thousands of miles of new power lines will need to be built, alongside major upgrades to existing infrastructure. For the contractors delivering these projects, that means working across a wide range of sites, often with difficult ground conditions, restricted access and tight project programmes.
Getting access right
Access is an important part of that picture. Before construction can begin, contractors need to consider how people, plant and materials will get onto site and how that access will be maintained throughout the works. On power projects, existing roads and tracks are not always suitable for construction traffic, particularly where heavy plant and equipment is involved.
TPA has supported transmission, distribution and generation projects for decades, providing temporary access solutions for construction and maintenance works. The starting point is understanding the site and what the project needs, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
That could mean providing access for heavy plant, creating a route across difficult ground or supporting a project where existing access needs to be protected. In each case, the access solution needs to work alongside the wider construction programme and site requirements.
Supporting projects through Vp
TPA is part of Vp plc, which brings together a number of specialist businesses supporting the infrastructure and energy sectors.
Groundforce has decades of experience in temporary works for power transmission, distribution and generation projects. Its work with Tier One contractors has also led to the development of specialist solutions such as Spacebrace, End Protection Panels and Trench Canopies for applications including joint bay construction.
Brandon Hire Station supports power and utility contractors with tools, equipment and site support through its UK branch network, including longer-term framework requirements.
ESS provides specialist safety, communications, survey, test and measurement equipment to the power generation sector, alongside technical expertise and site services. Its equipment supports activities including maintenance, inspections, outages and testing.
Each business has its own area of expertise, but together they provide contractors with access to a broader range of equipment and services through one wider group.
For TPA, this means being able to focus on what it does best: helping contractors solve the practical access challenges that come with delivering major infrastructure projects.
Supporting the next phase of energy infrastructure
The investment going into the UK's energy network will create a significant pipeline of construction and maintenance work over the coming years.
For the contractors delivering that work, practical considerations such as site access, temporary works, equipment and safety all form part of getting a project off the ground and keeping it moving.
TPA will continue to support the power sector with temporary access solutions designed around the requirements of individual projects, working alongside contractors to help them deal with the challenges that come with building and maintaining critical energy infrastructure.