3D Printing of Network Assets

Sep 2020

Electricity Distribution

Reference: NIA_UKPN064

Status: Live

Start Date: Sep 2020

End Date: Dec 2021

Funding Licencee(s): UK Power Networks, Eastern Power Networks and South Eastern Power Networks

Contact: Kelvin Lee & Martin Payne

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: ED - Safety and health and environment

Core Technology(ies): Asset Management, Environmental, Health and Safety and Overhead Lines

Estimated Expenditure: £307,000.00

Introduction: UK Power Networks are putting together an electricity pole replacement programme to replace an increased number of electricity poles going forwards into RIIO-ED2.

Objectives: The key objectives will be to identify a suitable set of materials and manufacturing processes which can meet the standards and specifications for an electricity pole. This will then be assessed against the forecast future ‘whole life’ cost to understand whether there is a business case for further investment into another phase of the project. It should be noted that the stages are linear, and can be halted should it be determined that the business case is no longer viable.