Geogrid-Powered Stability for Thurrock Energy

The Thurrock Flexible Generation project, located north of Tilbury substation, comprises Thurrock Storage, a 300MW (600MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), and Thurrock Power, a 450MW power generation facility. The BESS supplies on-demand electricity to the National Grid, while multiple gas-fired reciprocating engine banks can generate power within 10 minutes. This ensures network stability during renewable energy shortfalls or peak demand.

Tackling challenging conditions

The site, originally a tidal saltmarsh, now exhibits complex ground conditions. To ensure stable access roads and crane platforms, geogrid reinforcement was specified. Based on prior successful collaborations with Naue, Jones Bros Civil Engineering chose Naue Combigrid® and Secugrid® for the project.

“Poor weather in early development made things more difficult,” explained Jake White, Naue’s Sales Manager for southern England and Wales. “CBR values were lower than expected, requiring floating road construction. Relying solely on imported fill would have drastically increased aggregate thickness – adding costs, labour, transport demand and construction time.” The geosynthetic solution reduced vehicle movements, supporting CO₂ reduction targets.

Naue’s geosynthetic solution

Naue Combigrid® was laid directly on the subgrade, offering separation, filtration, stabilisation and reinforcement. Where higher strength was needed, additional layers of Naue Secugrid® were used between aggregates. In total, over 70,000 m² of Combigrid® and nearly 50,000 m² of Secugrid® were supplied. Lightweight and easy to handle, the products offer fast installation with simple overlaps and trimming. The grid aperture interlocks with granular fill, and friction between fill and the textured Secugrid® bars ensures excellent bond and structural integrity.

To manage stormwater, a surface water attenuation pond was built. Naue’s Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) was selected for sealing. Bentofix® is a needle-punched composite with a high-swelling sodium bentonite core between two geotextile layers. It is placed directly on the prepared base, and its self-sealing edges – impregnated with dry bentonite – create tight, secure overlaps. The sodium bentonite forms an immediate hydraulic barrier when in contact with water. For irregular shapes, Bentofix®is also available with fully bentonite-impregnated cover geotextile to allow self-sealing overlaps even on cut-to-size panels to avoid manual reworking.

Around 7,000 m² of Bentofix® was installed. Compared to traditional thick clay linings, Bentofix® requires far fewer deliveries, generates cost savings, and aligns with sustainability goals.

Project goals achieved

In summary, Jake White stated: “Naue’s geosynthetics helped the project meet its construction goals while significantly reducing environmental impact.”

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