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Shannon Airport

Project Location:

County Clare, Ireland

Client Name:

Shannon Airport Group

Project Description:

Working on behalf of Shannon Airport Group, OCU deliverd two horizontal directional drills (HDDs) beneath a live taxiway, connecting a new 1.2MW solar farm to the airport terminal.


The works involved installing two 200m three-way polyethylene electrical cable duct systems to provide the infrastructure linking 2,700 solar panels on a 5.5-acre site within the operational airfield. The project supported Shannon Airport’s renewable energy ambitions while maintaining safe airport operations throughout the works.

Key Stats:

  • 2 x 200m HDDs completed beneath a live taxiway

  • Three-way 125mm OD SDR11 polyethylene cable ducts installed

  • Connected 2,700 solar panels to the airport terminal

  • Delivered within a live operational airport environment

6 Weeks

Duration

Challenge

  • Delivering HDD works within the secure airside environment of a live international airport

  • Installing two 200m drills beneath an operational taxiway without disrupting airport activities

  • Obtaining and managing airside security clearance and access requirements

  • Working within restricted areas alongside live aircraft movements

  • Controlling dust and debris to eliminate Foreign Object Debris (FOD) risks

  • Overcoming challenging limestone bedrock ground conditions

Solution

  • Delivered two precision HDD crossings beneath the live taxiway using specialist trenchless techniques

  • Installed three-way electrical cable duct systems connecting the solar farm to the terminal building

  • Worked collaboratively with airport stakeholders to safely coordinate activities within the operational airfield

  • Implemented stringent FOD control measures and airside safety procedures throughout the programme

  • Successfully completed the works despite difficult limestone drilling conditions

Outcome

  • Successfully completed both HDD crossings safely and efficiently within the live airport environment

  • Enabled the connection of Ireland's first operational on-airport 1.2MW solar farm

  • Supported infrastructure capable of supplying approximately 20% of Shannon Airport's annual electricity demand

  • Contributed to the airport achieving globally recognised Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation through its renewable energy programme

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