Stantec was recognised alongside COWI, Fugro, the British Geological Survey and STRABAG for supporting SSE Renewables with a unique and complex ground investigation project
08/21/2024 EDINBURGH, UK TSX, NYSE:STN
A ground investigation scheme to support SSE Renewable’s Coire Glas Pumped Storage Project has been named Ground Investigation Project of the Year at the 2024 Ground Engineering Awards (GE Awards).
SSE Renewable’s Coire Glas is the first large-scale pumped storage hydropower scheme to be developed in the United Kingdom (UK) in more than 40 years. Following a £100-million investment by SSE, Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, and COWI designed a unique and complex ground investigation programme which is being delivered by STRABAG and Fugro.
The project, which aims to pave the way for the delivery of the wider project starting in 2026 includes a one-kilometre-long adit completed in August, boreholes up to 650 metres deep, and comprehensive supporting desk studies by Stantec and COWI. The team used both conventional and progressive methods of data acquisition on the vast investigative project.
The site’s remote location and restricted access offered challenging conditions. Particularly at Sean Mheall where 24/7 drilling was carried out with staff living in self-contained accommodation 887 metres above Loch Lochy, only accessible by helicopter.
Unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and complex bedrock meant innovative solutions were needed to transport equipment to site, leading the teams to source drill rigs light enough to be dismantled, transported, and reconstructed in situ, while still powerful enough to carry out a range of geotechnical and geophysical tests.
The award winning collaborative problem-solving and quick responses to the project challenges has allowed SSE Renewables to progress through their delivery schedule while incorporating high quality data needed to inform the design stage.
“Stantec was proud to be part of this talented and passionate team working on such an important energy project”, said John Ord, energy business director at Stantec. “The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the work that’s already been done on Coire Glas by SSE, Stantec, COWI, Fugro, the British Geological Survey, and STRABAG. This project required innovation and adaptable techniques on a massive scale, and collaboration has been a huge part of its success.”
“This award is a fantastic achievement, and is testament to the expertise, dedication and hard work of our teams and delivery partners”, added Mike Seaton, director of development for Coire Glas.
“Coire Glas is vital in helping the UK deliver on their net zero ambitions and the success of the complex GI works to de-risk the project have set a benchmark for what can be achieved through collaboration in remote and large-scale project sites.”
Co-sponsored by Ground Engineering magazine, the GE Awards celebrate geotechnical industry feats as well as the wider the achievements of projects, people, and businesses in the ground engineering sector. To win Ground Investigation Project of the Year, the Coire Glas site investigation scheme was able to stand out to judges in terms of levels of innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety, and value engineering.
A global leader in pumped storage, Stantec provides a full range of engineering and environmental services, including concept planning, implementation, and rehabilitation services over the entire lifecycle of a project. Stantec has developed a global footprint in pumped storage from over 60 years of experience working with our international clients and has one of the largest teams of pumped storage specialists in the international consulting industry.
About Stantec
Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.
We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting.
Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more.
Today’s communities transcend geographic borders. At Stantec, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do—from our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.
We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.
Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.
Media Contact
Calum Metcalfe
Stantec Media Relations
Phone: (+44) 07928 501 112
Email: calum.metcalfe@stantec.com
