Case Study: Teesside Green Hydrogen, Redcar and Cleveland
Client: MorGen Energy AG
Services: Cable percussive boreholes, window sampling, chemical testing, geotechnical testing and groundwater monitoring
Location: Wilton Site, Redcar and Cleveland
Project summary & client purpose:
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive geoenvironmental site investigation at the Wilton Site in Teesside, to support the development of a new green hydrogen production facility.
The purpose of the investigation was to characterise ground conditions, assess geotechnical constraints and evaluate potential contamination risks. This information was critical to informing the design for shallow and deep foundations, ensuring regulatory compliance and enabling the client to progress the project with confidence.
Our services:
We delivered a targeted programme of site investigation works, including cable percussion boreholes, window sampling, and dynamic cone penetration testing across the site. These works were supported by geotechnical and environmental laboratory testing, groundwater monitoring and ground gas assessments.
Ground conditions were logged in accordance with current standards, and samples were analysed for a wide range of chemical determinants including metals, hydrocarbons and asbestos.
All findings were compiled into a detailed interpretative report, providing practical recommendations for foundation design and a robust assessment of environmental risks associated with the proposed development.
The challenges:
Ground conditions across the site were variable, with shallow made ground overlying firm to stiff clay strata and deeper weathered mudstone. Localised variability included soft ground identified in one area to approximately 3.0m below ground level, which required careful consideration for foundation design.
In addition, groundwater was encountered at varying depths across the site, introducing potential constraints for construction and design.
The challenge was to obtain reliable, representative data across the site to accurately assess geotechnical performance and environmental risk, while ensuring that any variability or localised conditions were clearly identified and addressed early in the design process.
Results:
The investigation confirmed that the site is generally suitable for development, with very low risks identified from contamination to both construction workers and future site users. No asbestos was detected, and no significant contamination issues were identified confirming the sites suitability for use.
Geotechnical assessment indicated that conventional strip and pad foundations are feasible, provided they are founded within competent natural strata beneath any made ground.
Ground gas monitoring classified the site as very low risk, meaning no specific gas protection measures are required for the proposed development.
Overall, the findings provided the client with clear, practical guidance to support design decisions, reduce ground-related risks and progress the project efficiently through planning and design stages.
