National Grid has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Hyperion Robotics and the University of Sheffield to trial the UK's first 3D-printed substation foundations.
The initiative aims to reduce construction-related carbon emissions and cut network infrastructure costs, aligning with National Grid’s broader mission to leverage innovation to future-proof the electricity transmission network.
The pilot project, funded by Ofgem's Network Innovation Allowance, is exploring the viability of using low-carbon, 3D-printed concrete structures as an alternative to traditional substation foundations. If adopted across all National Grid substations, the technology could save up to 705 tons of concrete, reduce CO₂ emissions by 323 tons, and deliver £1.7 million in consumer savings over the next decade.
Significant environmental and operational benefits are projected, including:
• 70% reduction in concrete usage
• 80% less soil displacement
• 65% cut in embodied carbon emissions
• 70% weight reduction
• 50% fewer site operative hours
The substation foundations will be designed and manufactured by Hyperion Robotics in Finland. Full-scale testing will be conducted by the University of Sheffield, with additional field trials set for late 2025 at National Grid’s Deeside Centre for Innovation in North Wales.
Dr Muhammad Shaban, Lead Innovation Engineer at National Grid Electricity Transmission, commented: "Our collaboration with Hyperion Robotics is a real step forward in achieving more innovative construction practices which align with our bold and ambitious commitments on sustainability. This trial of low-carbon 3D printed alternatives to concrete for substation foundations is the first of its kind in the UK, and has the potential to transform construction activities across the industry. The project has been funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, which provides an allowance to energy network licensees to fund innovation projects that have the potential to deliver longer term financial and environmental benefits for consumers."
Hyperion Robotics CEO and founder Fernando De los Rios added: "Collaborating with National Grid, one of the world's largest utility companies, marks a pivotal moment for Hyperion Robotics as we advance our mission to help the industry build smarter and greener. This partnership accelerates our efforts to decarbonise the construction sector through cutting-edge engineering and low carbon 3D-printed concrete structures. Through this collaboration, National Grid is setting an inspiring global benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the energy sector."
Construction News
10/06/2025
National Grid Launches UK-First Trial of 3D-Printed Substation Foundations


25/07/2025
Preparatory works are underway for the construction of a new world-class higher education campus in Blackpool town centre, as part of a major investment into the area's regeneration.
The Multiversity campus for Blackpool and The Fylde College will bring up to 3,000 students and staff to a purpose-b

25/07/2025
InstaVolt has signed a 40-year lease to develop a new 30-bay ultra-rapid charger superhub on the A303 in Wiltshire, complete with a large café and farm shop provided by one of the UK's leading operators.
The new facility aims to serve both long-distance travellers and the local community with prem

25/07/2025
Balfour Beatty has announced the appointment of Richard Watts who will join the Group later this year, becoming Managing Director of its UK Rail business in January 2026.
Richard has 20 years' experience in the rail sector, providing transformative and innovative solutions to longstanding industry

25/07/2025
Major improvement works are set to begin this summer at Longport railway station in Stoke-on-Trent, as Network Rail invests £1.4 million to upgrade the station’s footbridge and staircases.
The footbridge will be closed from Monday 4 August to Friday 10 October, allowing engineers to carry out essen

25/07/2025
Galliford Try's Building North East and Yorkshire division has successfully handed over the newly built Great Park Academy, a 1,200-place secondary school in Newcastle Great Park.
Delivered on behalf of the Department for Education, the state-of-the-art facility will officially open its doors in Se

25/07/2025
VolkerFitzpatrick has been named the principal contractor for Arrow Point Bolton, a landmark 327,000 sq ft speculative logistics development by Arrow Capital Partners, situated just north of Manchester.
The scheme, which secured planning approval in January 2025, will feature two state-of-the-art l

25/07/2025
The construction industry is under renewed scrutiny as efforts ramp up to tackle one of its most sobering challenges: mental health and suicide prevention.
A new British Standard (BS 30480), the

25/07/2025
A £6.9 million transformation of a derelict historic building into Bradford College's state-of-the-art Garden Mills facility has earned recognition across the UK property and construction sectors, with the project named a finalist in three prestigious awards.
The extensive refurbishment of the five

25/07/2025
A major new housing development in Ashtead has been granted planning permission by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC).
The scheme, brought forward in partnership by Wates Developments and Vistry Group, will deliver up to 270 net-zero carbon ready homes alongside extensive green space and communit

25/07/2025
Beard is reinforcing its commitment to workforce development with the launch of its business-wide expertise building initiative, Skills to Build.
As building projects and procurement routes become more complex and the construction sector increasingly regulated, the expectations for project teams an