Akela Ground Engineering showcases ABeam innovation in fast‑track foundation delivery for Emtec’s Battery Storage project in Kent

Akela Ground Engineering’s full precast foundation system

Akela Ground Engineering has completed the design and installation of a full precast foundation system to support eight Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) units and two Power Conversion System (PCS) units for Emtec in Sandwich, Kent.

Delivered in less than eight weeks, the project demonstrates the capability of modern methods of construction (MMC) to support the rollout of critical low‑carbon energy infrastructure.

To address highly variable ground conditions, including soft superficial deposits, granular bearing strata and surcharge loading from stored biomass, Akela designed a tailored foundation solution comprising 200 × 200 mm driven precast concrete piles installed to depths of up to 15 metres. These were integrated with the company’s innovative ABeam precast ground beam system.

On site, more than 800 linear metres of driven precast piling were installed in under five days, followed by 220 linear metres of ABeam ground beams within a further two days.

ABeam features an innovative mechanical pinned joint that allows prefabricated beams to be installed in hours rather than days. The system eliminates the need for in‑situ concrete, pile caps, tie bars or follow‑on trades, enabling a fully controlled, weather‑independent installation process. Manufactured at Akela’s state‑of‑the‑art precast facility near Glasgow, using renewable ground‑source heating to reduce carbon impact, ABeam ensures consistent quality while supporting more sustainable construction practices.

Offsite manufacture significantly reduced site congestion and removed weather dependency, a key advantage given the project commenced in November.

Akela also deployed its latest JX piling fleet, reducing working platform requirements and minimising excavation volumes to deliver both cost and programme efficiencies.

Will Payne, Managing Director of Akela Ground Engineering, said: “ABeam represents a step change in how foundation systems can be delivered. By removing the need for in‑situ concrete, follow‑on trades and weather‑dependent sequencing, we’re giving clients a faster, cleaner and more predictable way to build.

“This project is a great example of the system in action - delivering speed, quality and long‑term performance while supporting the rollout of essential renewable energy infrastructure.”

The completed foundation system provides a robust, efficient and sustainable platform for the BESS and PCS units, supporting the UK’s transition to a more resilient, low‑carbon energy grid and demonstrating the real‑world impact of combining offsite manufacture with modern piling technology.

John Sneddon, Civils Operations Manager, at Emtec, said “Akela delivered an excellent foundation solution for our BESS project in Kent. Despite variable ground conditions and the challenges of working on a live, congested site, the team provided a fast, predictable, and technically robust installation.

“Their use of driven precast piles and the ABeam system significantly reduced programme risk, site traffic, and weather-related delays, while supporting our commitment to lower-carbon construction. The quality and speed of delivery have given us a resilient platform for the BESS and PCS units and allowed us to maintain momentum on a strategically important energy project.

“Emtec Utility Services engaged with Akela early on providing an off-site production and on-site assembly approach and this is a strong example of what can be achieved through early collaboration and modern methods of construction, and we look forward to continuing our work with Akela on future low-carbon infrastructure projects across the UK.”