Force was appointed to deliver the civil installation works for a new customer connection serving Bicker Fen Solar Farm within the active Bicker Fen National Grid 400kV Substation.
The project called for a wide range of civil engineering capabilities, with works taking place around live infrastructure and alongside an evolving programme. Our team has delivered reinforced concrete structures, deep drainage, site-wide ducting and troughs, and the construction of a new Digital Relay Room building.
Despite delays outside Force’s control, including a change of Principal Contractor midway through the programme, the team has responded to design changes and an accelerated schedule while keeping the works on track for completion within the agreed timeframe.
Force constructed multiple concrete bunds and bases to house the equipment required for the new connection. More than 150m³ of concrete was used across the works. The bunds were then tested using around 60,000 litres of water, confirming that each structure met the required standard with no leaks identified.
The project included the installation of a site-wide drainage system to manage oily water from the new transformer and equipment bunds.
Advanced temporary works were required to support the excavations, including a sheet-piled excavation for a four-metre-deep interceptor tank.
Once complete, the system will connect to National Grid’s monitoring equipment and include a fully alarmed setup to support safe operation across the site.
Force installed site-wide cable troughs and ducting to connect equipment bases with the Digital Relay Room control building. The network also supports cabling entering and leaving the new connection footprint, creating the routes needed for the site’s power, control and monitoring systems.
The new Digital Relay Room is a key part of the connection and houses separate rooms for National Grid and the end user.
Force delivered the full building construction package, including reinforced foundations, brickwork, joinery and roofing. Our team also completed the first-fix electrical installation, preparing the building for its control and protection equipment.
Working inside an active 400kV substation requires careful planning, strong communication and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
Force provided several capabilities through one delivery team, reducing the need for multiple contractors across the civil works. This gave the client a single point of responsibility for the concrete structures, drainage, ducting and building construction.
When the project faced delays, design changes and a change of Principal Contractor, our team adapted quickly. We reviewed the revised requirements, supported the accelerated programme and continued moving the works forward without losing focus on safety or quality.
The Bicker Fen project shows Force’s ability to deliver complex civil engineering works within a live National Grid environment.
From deep drainage and reinforced concrete structures to cable routes and the Digital Relay Room building, our team has provided the infrastructure needed to support the new solar farm connection.
Through close working, practical planning and a flexible approach, Force remains on track to complete the agreed works within the required programme.
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