Following the platform work carried out by Air Liquide, RTE, owner of two hectares of land, entrusted our T&D specialists with installing the Marais de Radicatel electrical substation. After completing the studies, they took delivery of the platform in November 2023. This was followed by the management of a major subcontracting operation, then the HV and LV work, carried out in-house by a small team of three to five people.
"To create the station, we oversaw several activities, which we subcontracted to three of our partners. Roland Tinel from the Civil Engineering branch took charge of the platform drainage work. Lecœur fenced off the site and Piazza Bâtiment carried out the civil engineering work for the substation, i.e., the foundations, the track (or road) network and the gutters," explained HV Substation Project Manager Mattis Balaÿ.
At the same time, our specialists earthed the equipment. They then assembled the substation's framework, installed the high-voltage equipment, and connected the high- and low-voltage devices and electrical cabinets. "This substation is equipped with two incoming cells, a double set of busbars, a coupling cell, and three outgoing cells. It supplies electricity to two local industrial companies whose activities are particularly energy-intensive. Their connection to RTE's 225,000 V overhead network will enable them to abandon fossil fuels in favour of clean, carbon-free energy," said Mattis Balaÿ.
On this project, our experts worked alongside Air Liquide's contractor responsible for building the transformer station at the neighbouring factory. Each party's work was carefully phased (regular meetings, schedule coordination, access, etc.) in order to protect the sensitive site where the electrical substation is located. Built in the heart of a wetland area, right next to the Air Liquide plant, the structure was designed to avoid any lowering of the water table. The foundations are wider and shallower than usual, ensuring its stability without damaging the environment.
“We’re also very proud to have achieved the Zero Accident target on this site! Safety continuity was encouraged by keeping the same team members throughout the project”, explained Mattis Balaÿ. This collective commitment, in line with the Eiffage Group's objectives, allows everyone to take credit for part of the project's success. After 18 months of intensive work, the sense of achievement is further reinforced by having helped to create a new 225 kV electrical substation, which will enable RTE's industrial customers to transition their factories to renewable energy.
