Project
Projects
Yaxley Synchronous Condenser Facility For Siemens Energy.
Overview
Location
Yaxley, Suffolk
Value
£13.5m
Status
Completed
Client
The Challenge.
ACS Construction Group successfully delivered the Yaxley Synchronous Condenser Grid Stability Facility for Siemens Energy, a nationally significant energy infrastructure project supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon electricity network. The facility provides critical grid stability services, helping to maintain network resilience as increasing volumes of renewable energy generation are connected to the transmission system.
The project was delivered on a greenfield site with significant environmental, engineering and programme challenges. ACS was required to undertake works within a sensitive ecological environment whilst maintaining compliance with strict planning conditions and managing interfaces with multiple contractors.
The programme also required phased handovers that would enable Siemens Energy to progress steelwork, plant and transformer installations ahead of schedule.
Our Solution.
ACS delivered the enabling works, civil engineering infrastructure and construction package, working collaboratively with Siemens Energy throughout the project. By carefully phasing works and coordinating handovers, ACS enabled Siemens Energy to commence key structure and transformer installation activities ahead of programme, accelerating overall project delivery.
Key Civil Engineering Works
Earthworks and Site Preparation
- Two-stage vegetation clearance undertaken under Ecological Clerk of Works supervision.
- Completion of a 6,300m³ topsoil strip, with all material retained on site for future reinstatement.
- Delivery of a 2,199m³ cut and 1,385m³ fill operation to create a level development platform.
- Construction of access roads, working platforms and supporting infrastructure.
Reinforced Concrete Structures
- Construction of complex reinforced concrete structures including the Cooler Bund, SGT Bund and Transformer Plinth.
- Delivery of high-specification concrete works to stringent tolerances required by the equipment manufacturer.
- Implementation of rigorous quality assurance and inspection regimes throughout construction.
Drainage and Ducting Infrastructure
- Installation of the complete drainage network.
- Delivery of underground ducting systems in accordance with National Grid Technical Specifications (NGTS).
- Integration of utility infrastructure to support future energisation and operation of the facility.
High Security Perimeter Protection
- Installation of Category 2 high-security perimeter fencing.
- Construction of a 2.4m-high perimeter security system with reinforced anti-burrow protection.
- Integration of Gallagher electrification and network-controlled security systems.
Construction Works
Building Erection
- Construction of a 15m-high steel-framed building.
- Installation of a 90-minute intumescent fire protection system applied off-site to maximise quality control.
- Delivery of a robust Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) process to ensure full compliance.
- Collaboration with the supply chain to secure approved cladding finishes that satisfied planning requirements.
Crane Installation
- Installation of a 21m clear-span overhead crane with a 20-tonne lifting capacity.
- Careful coordination between steelwork, cladding and specialist lifting contractors.
- Safe delivery of complex installation activities whilst maintaining programme certainty.
Innovative Problem Solving
Balancing Pond Solution
Whilst awaiting discharge consent approval, ACS developed an innovative temporary pumping arrangement and balancing pond solution to manage surface water. This allowed construction activities to continue uninterrupted and avoided programme delays.
Material Management Plan
ACS developed and implemented a comprehensive Material Management Plan that eliminated off-site disposal requirements, ensuring compliance with planning conditions and landowner agreements whilst reducing environmental impact, transportation movements and project costs.
The Result.
The project was successfully delivered safely on programme and to Siemens Energy’s exacting quality standards. Through proactive planning, collaborative working and technical excellence, ACS delivered the critical infrastructure required to support one of the UK’s key grid stability projects whilst enabling subsequent structure and transformer installations to progress ahead of schedule.
The project stands as a strong example of ACS’s capability to deliver complex energy infrastructure schemes combining heavy civil engineering, specialist construction and environmental stewardship.
