Buxton Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

H&MV Engineering is a global market leader for mission-critical facilities, renewable development, transmission and distribution utilities. As a key partner to the continued growth of this sector, Bethell has supported H&MV with the civil engineering requirements on a number of new battery storage schemes. As a result, the client looked to us for guidance and support to provide solutions based on our 159 years of experience in the industry.

The Buxton BESS is a 60MWh stand-alone energy storage site in Derbyshire, part of Atlantic Green’s 1GWh energy storage portfolio. The work involved the complete installation of all civils work for the battery storage site including concrete foundations and plinths for the new batteries to be placed, new ducting for the electrical installation and new drainage runs along the site. We were also involved in the final lifting and installation of the new 30MWh batteries in collaboration with our supply partners.

The principal quantities for this scheme included:

• >250m³ of poured concrete
• >2km of new ducting laid
• 9 tonnes of rebar fixed
• >600m of earthing installed
• 90m of drainage

Upon award of the work, our team had key input into the incomplete design proposals and advised on design changes with H&MV and their client. We worked closely with the client throughout the project to manage key changes to the design and planning, adjusting our construction sequence.

The works area was a constrained environment due to the site being bordered by a 4m high fence that was not able to be adjusted or temporarily removed for us to complete the work.  Additionally, the items to be constructed blocked access points around the work area. To overcome these challenges, works had to be planned in a logical sequence to ensure safe working could be maintained in tight spaces, and reduce the need to enter areas after works were completed.

We supported H&MV throughout the delivery stage of the works, collaboratively assisting with a Best for Project approach to ensure effective integration of all trades, allowing multi-disciplined works to be efficiently completed concurrently on site.

We helped H&MV maintain a good relationship with all project stakeholders throughout the works. Due to the close working relationship with H&MV, Bethell was asked to provide expertise and advice relating to key civil engineering elements of work. We also worked closely with our supply chain to ensure that items running on call-offs such as concrete and stone were managed effectively.

As a certified Carbon Neutral Organisation (CNO), H&MV required an environmentally considerate approach for the delivery of all elements of the works package.  As a Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) verified contractor, we had the ability and experience to offer innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions whilst completing the works. These included working with our CIPS-accredited Procurement Team to source local resources in line with ISO 20400: Sustainable Procurement principles, as well as mobilising our fleet of electric vehicles.

The project was completed by Christmas 2023. Bethell worked collaboratively with H&MV throughout the project, gaining their trust as the civil engineering contractor of choice.

Throughout the project, four members of our operational team received H&MV’s Safety Award for exceptional hazard reporting and challenging health and safety complacency across the project.