Yaxley Synchronous Condenser Facility for Siemens Energy.
The Challenge.
ACS Construction Group is delivering the Synchronous Condenser Grid Stability Facility at Yaxley for Siemens Energy, a key infrastructure project supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy grid.
Our remit includes all enabling works, temporary works, and civils infrastructure required for the future operation of the site. Situated on a rural greenfield location with strict environmental and planning conditions, the project presented challenges including:
- Managing works without full permits in place during mobilisation
- Preventing off-site disposal of arisings due to planning constraints
- Operating adjacent to sensitive ecological habitats
The Solution.
ACS successfully led the project through early-stage enabling and infrastructure delivery, while implementing rigorous temporary works controls and environmental safeguards.
Enabling Works
- Temporary access roads, pathways, and car parks constructed
- Completed 6,300m³ topsoil strip, with all arisings retained on site
- Delivered a cut (2,199m³) and fill (1,385m³) operation to form a level platform, overcoming significant fall from east to west
- Installed 12,222m² geotextile membrane and imported 2,417m³ of Type 1 fill
- Built two of four permanent landscaping bunds, with remaining bunds to follow compound removal
- Created a temporary balancing pond to manage surface water before discharge consent was granted
Environmental Management
- Appointed a specialist Environmental Consultant to conduct urgent ecology surveys and develop a system of work prior to groundworks
- Staged vegetation clearance under ecological supervision to protect habitats
- Developed and implemented a Material Management Plan (MMP) to eliminate off-site disposal
Temporary Works Management
- Designated Individual: Brendan Mooney
- Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC): Paul Hine
- On-site Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS): Tommy Bullingham
The Solution (continued).
Key TW installations (38+ items)
- Stone access ramps
- Excavations & stockpiles
- Drainage shoring & formwork
- Edge protection, scaffolding, safety netting
- Platforms for cranes and concrete pumps
Each TW element followed a strict process:
- Design brief issued and reviewed
- Independent formwork design & approval
- Permit to load issued by TWS after inspection
- Concrete cube tests conducted post-pour
- Permit to dismantle issued upon approval
Example:
For the Cooler Bund, our formwork supplier provided tailored design solutions which were reviewed and approved by ACS’s site and TW team, installed as per spec, and signed off via permit processes.
The Result
Thanks to robust planning and efficient TW management:
- Enabling works were completed ahead of schedule, enabling early handover for main groundworks
- Earthworks and TW operations progressed faster than planned, improving overall project efficiency
- Siemens Energy provided positive feedback, commending ACS’s collaborative approach, attention to detail, and execution speed
“ACS has impressed with its ability to manage large-scale temporary works and enabling packages under challenging conditions.
Their methodical, well-structured processes have allowed several phases of the project to progress ahead of programme.”