A417 “Missing Link” Scheme Turns To Solar Power As Contractors Ramp Up Sustainability Efforts

As construction on National Highways’ £460 million A417 “Missing Link” project enters its third year, the scheme has become a high-profile example of how large infrastructure projects are turning to off-grid solar technology to reduce fuel use, emissions and disruption to sensitive landscapes.

The project, delivered by Kier Transportation, is designed to fix a notorious bottleneck between the Brockworth Bypass and Cowley Roundabout, a three-mile stretch that has long suffered from congestion, safety issues and spillover traffic in nearby villages. Because the route cuts through the Cotswolds National Landscape, with its protected habitats and historical sites, contractors have been under pressure to limit environmental impact throughout construction.

As part of this approach, Kier has partnered with renewable power specialist Prolectric to test and deploy a series of solar-powered lighting and hybrid generation systems across the 40-hectare site. The area is home to bats, birds, reptiles and badgers, all of which are under active ecological monitoring, increasing the need for quieter, cleaner equipment.

Early trials using Prolectric’s solar tower lights proved successful enough for Kier to roll out a second wave of site-specific installations. Solar streetlights have been placed on moveable blocks along walkways, permanent solar units have been installed in staff car parks, and adaptive solar lighting now operates on roundabouts and task-critical areas where reliable visibility is essential.

With lighting in place, Kier has turned to reducing diesel consumption from on-site power. Replacing a 24/7 diesel generator with a ProPower solar-hybrid unit cut fuel use by more than 75% within a month, according to Prolectric. Several hybrid generators now support security huts, welfare cabins and overnight accommodation, supplying heat, lighting and device charging while running far more efficiently than the diesel units they replaced.

A larger three-phase solar battery energy storage system (BESS) has recently been added to support a major cabin set-up. At peak performance it has saved around £200 per day in fuel, while further lowering maintenance and operational costs.

Kier says the partnership has already delivered savings of more than £250,000 in a matter of months, with total annual savings expected to exceed £638,000. The shift towards solar is also a major contributor to Kier’s carbon reduction targets.

Gavin Jones, Project Director at Kier Transportation, said the A417 is helping the business prove that low-carbon construction is achievable at scale.
“We are committed to significantly reducing diesel use on our sites in line with Kier’s One Planet Action Plan. By adopting solar-hybrid power and lighting, we are on track to cut more than 800,000 kg of CO2e per year. Prolectric’s support has helped us set a new benchmark for how major infrastructure projects can be powered.”

Kathryn Adams, Director of Product at Prolectric, said the A417 demonstrates how renewable systems can work together across a live construction environment.
“The A417 is a showcase of our core products working in tandem. By reducing fuel consumption, emissions and maintenance needs, our solutions are improving efficiency and helping the project progress with a lower environmental footprint.”

National Highways said the initiative aligns with wider efforts to explore greener construction methods on major schemes.
“We are always looking to improve how we design and build our projects, particularly in relation to the environment and our commitment to net zero,” said Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager. “Investing in innovation allows us to explore technology that protects the landscape while supporting our workforce.”

Prolectric, which supplies solar-powered systems to sectors including construction, rail, defence and housebuilding, says its technology has so far helped customers avoid more than 36 million kg of CO2e and cut diesel use by over 10 million litres.