Projects

Soar Y Mynydd 11kV Plough Installation

G T Jones Contracting Ltd's first successful trenchless laying project of 3km of 11kV cable on Ceredigion's challenging Cambrian Mountains.

CLIENT

LOCATION

Ceredigion

SERVICE

Trenchless Cable Laying

COMPLETED

January 2026

Project Overview

G T Jones Contracting Ltd's first successful trenchless laying project of 3km of 11kV cable on Ceredigion's challenging Cambrian Mountains.

Detail

The project comprises the installation of approximately 3 km of 11 kV underground electrical cable across Soar y Mynydd, Ceredigion, using trenchless installation techniques with the Foeck FSP 22 Plough and Foeck FWF 92 Winch, to minimise disturbance to the surrounding landscape, environment and existing land uses.

The project is being delivered within a challenging rural and upland environment, characterised by steep and undulating terrain, difficult ground conditions, sensitive habitats and potentially variable geology. These constraints require careful planning, specialist plant and equipment, and a construction methodology that can safely and efficiently install the cable while minimising the project's environmental footprint.

Outcomes

Ground disturbance significantly reduced and minimal impact on the landscape
Improved project efficiency, allowing installation in a shorter timeframe
Zero safety incidents and high environmental performance throughout
Improved long-term durability and reduced maintenance risk for the client
All works delivered on time, and to a high standard

Length

January 2026 - 1 week

Scroll to view full comparison

Metric	Traditional Open Cut	Foeck Plough	Estimated Saving	Comment
Programme	Approx. 30 days	6 days	80% faster	100m/day open cut vs 500m/day ploughing for 3km
Fuel	Approx. 6,000L	Approx. 540L	91% reduction	Open cut = 2,000L/km. Plough = 180L/km
Carbon	Approx. 15tCO₂e	Approx. 1.35tCO₂e	91% reduction	Based on fuel assumptions using approx. 2.5kg CO₂e/L diesel
Excavated spoil	Approx. 1,200m³	Near-zero	Approx. 100% reduction	Works from 400m³/km open cut

Project Highlight

The Foeck Plough allowed a 3km installation to be completed across sensitive rural upland ground with minimal excavation. Due to the environmental sensitivity of the area, including SSSI considerations, a traditional open-cut method may not have been practicable without significant environmental consequences, increased reinstatement and greater disturbance to farmland, peat soils and the surrounding landscape.

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