GRP for DNO and Energy Infrastructure: Performance in Live Asset Areas
Introduction
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and energy infrastructure providers face a unique set of challenges when working in live asset areas. These are operational environments where outages are expensive, safety margins are tight, and material failure can have wide-reaching consequences.
From substations to overhead line structures, every component must combine safety, durability, and compliance with relevant standards — all while being installable without extended shutdowns. Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is increasingly specified for these conditions, offering a combination of non-conductivity, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance that aligns with the demands of modern energy networks.
Operating Pressures in Live Asset Areas
Live asset areas in the energy sector operate under constant electrical load. Working within them presents several constraints:
● Limited or no opportunity for planned outages
● Strict access control and safety protocols
● Proximity to high-voltage equipment and associated arc-flash risks
● Environmental exposure ranging from salt-laden coastal air to industrial pollution
These pressures mean that the materials used must be safe to handle around live equipment, quick to install, and capable of delivering decades of service with minimal intervention.
Why GRP is Suitable for DNO Applications
GRP’s inherent non-conductivity allows platforms, walkways, fencing, and access structures to be installed in close proximity to live equipment without the need for earthing. This reduces installation complexity, speeds up deployment, and removes a significant ongoing maintenance requirement.
Its corrosion resistance ensures that exposure to moisture, pollutants, or salt air does not degrade structural performance, an important consideration for outdoor substations and coastal installations. Unlike steel, there is no risk of rust creating safety hazards or weakening components over time.
Case Study — Substation Access and Safety Upgrades
In a regional network upgrade, GRP handrails and platforms were installed in a live substation environment without removing equipment from service. The non-conductive properties meant the installation team could work closer to live components without additional insulation barriers, reducing both time on site and the scale of temporary works required.
Installation Efficiency
In many DNO projects, access is through restricted gates or narrow service roads. GRP’s reduced weight allows sections to be carried manually into position, removing the need for cranes or heavy lifting equipment. Components can be delivered cut-to-size and pre-drilled, enabling faster assembly and reducing the time teams spend in live zones.
This is particularly important for DNOs who must limit personnel exposure to live areas for safety and regulatory reasons.
Whole-Life Performance
Energy infrastructure is built with long service lives in mind. While steel installations can last decades with the right maintenance, this requires scheduled recoating, corrosion control, and occasional replacement of degraded components. GRP offers a predictable maintenance profile, typically limited to periodic cleaning and inspection, which reduces operational cost and avoids unplanned outages.
The absence of earthing connections and corrosion risk also means fewer inspection points and less administrative overhead for asset managers.
Standards and Compliance
GRP products for DNO and energy infrastructure can be manufactured to:
● BS EN 13706 — Pultruded structural profiles
● BS EN 4592 — Industrial flooring panels
● BS 476 Part 7 Class 2 — Fire performance
● BS 7976 — Slip resistance
These standards ensure GRP components are structurally and operationally equivalent, if not superior, to traditional materials used in live electrical environments.
Conclusion
In live asset areas where outages are costly, safety margins are narrow, and long-term reliability is essential, GRP offers DNOs and energy infrastructure providers a proven, compliant, and low-maintenance solution. Its non-conductivity, corrosion resistance, and installation efficiency make it a natural fit for applications ranging from substation access platforms to security fencing and cable management systems.
By reducing installation time, minimising maintenance, and maintaining safety compliance, GRP helps operators manage operational risk and maintain network performance.
