The project aims to demonstrate alternative techniques to the traditional replacement approach for EHV cables employed by GB DNOs. The project will trial identified techniques at a number of sites where there are circuits of small bore cable. The main objectives are to:

• Conduct a market assessment (nationally and internationally) of the available techniques and suppliers that use offer alternative approaches when replacing fluid filled cables to the traditional open cut lay approach.

• Select a number of replacement techniques to be tested and the sites within each licence area for them to be trialled. At the moment, only two replacement techniques have been scoped for inclusion.

• Undertake trial cable replacements at the identified circuits for each identified technique.

• Assessment of each replacement technique and collation of trial results.

• Peer review undertaken of trial results with other DNOs.

Benefits

The following will be considered when assessing whether the project has been successful:

• A list of suppliers and their contact details that provide services for the replacement of fluid filled cables, along with the techniques (tested and untested) they are able to offer as an alternative to the traditional open cut lay approach.

• Alternative replacement techniques have been undertaken and tested at the trial sites and replacement circuit is commissioned.

• An understanding through demonstration whether there are effective alternative solutions to the current open cut technique for EHV cable replacement.

• The dissemination of trial results with other GB DNOs.