In December 2023, Brownline surveyed an HDD crossing to install solar energy cables in the German town of Sankt Aldegund. This project involved uphill drilling with a large elevation difference in rocky soil, making accurate positioning particularly important. For that reason, the crossing was surveyed with our Gyro Steering Tool in combination with the GPS track.
Solar parks are being constructed in the Moselle region, on plateaus previously used for wine growing. Connecting the solar parks to the local power grid required the installation of a cable connection to the bottom of the valley.
With most projects we first drill down into the ground. But with this project, the rig was positioned flat and the drill was directed up the hill. In the snowy Moselle Valley, our client LMR Drilling carried out the HDD crossing with a length of nearly 1000 m / over 3000 ft. The entry point was down in the valley near Sankt Aldegund and the drill punched out 280 m / 919 ft higher on the slope.
Uphill drilling with the highest accuracy
The large difference in elevation and the hard soil made this a complex project. Naturally, accuracy was a priority, which is why we used our Gyro Steering Tool as well as GPS track. With GPS track, an independent verification was made from surface level. By carrying out this check in the last stage of the crossing, we could ensure the drill head arrived at the exit point with the highest accuracy.
We are proud that we were able to contribute with our steering service to this challenging project, and to the expansion of the power grid with green solar energy. Do you also have an HDD project where accuracy is essential? Then contact us!