National Grid to Trial Low-Carbon 3D-Printed Concrete Foundations with Hyperion and University of Sheffield

National Grid to Trial Low-Carbon 3D-Printed Concrete Foundations with Hyperion and University of Sheffield

(IN BRIEF) National Grid has joined forces with Hyperion Robotics and the University of Sheffield to test low-carbon 3D-printed concrete foundations in a UK-first trial. The project, backed by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, will see the foundations installed at the Deeside Centre for Innovation in 2025. If adopted across all National Grid substations, the innovation could eliminate 705 tons of concrete, save 323 tons of CO₂, and deliver £1.7 million in savings over ten years. The solution promises up to 70% reductions in both material use and site labour, while offering enhanced sustainability and efficiency.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — National Grid has partnered with Hyperion Robotics and the University of Sheffield to conduct the UK’s first full-scale trial of low-carbon 3D-printed concrete foundations for substations, aiming to drive down carbon emissions and construction costs across the energy network. The innovative project will be tested at National Grid’s Deeside Centre for Innovation in North Wales in 2025, and it represents a major step toward sustainable infrastructure development.

The collaboration could significantly cut material use and emissions if implemented across National Grid’s substations. Forecasts indicate a potential 705-ton reduction in concrete usage, 323-ton decrease in CO₂ emissions, and an estimated £1.7 million in consumer savings over a decade compared to conventional construction methods.

Designed and manufactured in Finland by Hyperion Robotics, the 3D-printed foundations are being evaluated at the University of Sheffield’s ICAIR engineering facilities. The approach offers a host of environmental and logistical benefits: up to 70% less concrete, 80% less soil displacement, 65% lower embodied carbon, 70% weight reduction, and a 50% cut in site operative hours, resulting in more efficient and less disruptive construction.

Dr Muhammad Shaban, Lead Innovation Engineer at National Grid Electricity Transmission, emphasized the trial’s significance:
“Our collaboration with Hyperion Robotics is a real step forward in achieving more innovative construction practices aligned with our bold commitments on sustainability. This trial is the first of its kind in the UK and has the potential to transform construction activities across the industry.”

Hyperion Robotics’ CEO and founder, Fernando De los Rios, added:
“Partnering with National Grid, one of the world’s largest utility companies, is a pivotal moment for Hyperion. This collaboration reinforces our mission to decarbonise the construction sector with advanced 3D-printed concrete structures, setting a global benchmark in sustainable energy infrastructure.”

Dr Behzad Nematollahi from the University of Sheffield noted:
“We’re proud to play a key role in this ground-breaking project. Using our Intelligent Infrastructure Laboratory at ICAIR, we’ll rigorously test the load-bearing capacity of the printed structures and contribute to shaping the future of low-carbon construction technologies.”

The project is funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, which supports initiatives that aim to deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits for energy consumers.

Media Contact:

email: media.uk@nationalgrid.com
Tel: 01926 656 536

SOURCE: National Grid

MORE ON NATIONAL GRID, ETC.:

EDITOR'S PICK:

Comments are closed.