Scott Bros achieves ENATS certification for recycled sand
Scott Bros, based in Haverton Hill, Billingham, has earned ENATS certification for its recycled sand, making it suitable for use in power infrastructure projects.
The sand is produced at the companyβs Β£6 million wash plant in South Bank, Middlesbrough.
Peter Scott, director at Scott Bros, said: “We’re proud to be one of a few suppliers of recycled sand in the area to meet the ENATS standard.
“Solar farm developers need materials that protect high-voltage cables from damage and maintain stable heat transfer.
“The fact that they put a rather large dent in our stockpiles shows the scale of demand for reliable, sustainable alternatives to virgin sand.”
ENATS stands for the Energy Networks Associationβs Technical Specification and sets out key safety and performance requirements for materials used in high-voltage cable installations, including solar farms.
The sand is used for backfilling and bedding underground electrical cables.
In order to meet the ENATS standard, Scott Bros adapted its product by increasing the ratio of extra-fine particles.
This adjustment improved cohesion and ensured the sand met the technical requirements for cable bedding.
Scott Bros has already supplied several thousand tonnes to solar farms and other high-voltage cable installations.
The companyβs recycled sand is manufactured from construction and excavation waste, offering both environmental and cost benefits compared to quarried alternatives.
Other products from Scott Bros, such as recycled building sand and sharp sand, are already used in commercial construction and golf course drainage.
Bob Borthwick, fellow director at Scott Bros, said: “It’s especially rewarding when you consider that, not too many years ago, the construction and excavation waste now being processed into ENATS-approved sand would likely have ended up in landfill or as low-grade fill.
“It’s a great example of how recycled materials can replace virgin resources without compromising performance.”
He said: “Renewable energy developments, particularly solar farms, are being built at pace across the UK, and we’re pleased to support the sector reduce both its costs and carbon footprint.”