Green Gen asked 3DW to develop an interactive 3D solution for the proposed Towy Teifi overhead line project in Wales.
As a significant initiative to expand renewable energy capacity this 132kV grid connection will play a vital role in transporting green energy from new sources to the national grid therefore supporting the UK’s transition to net-zero. 3DW was commissioned to create an interactive 3D model to assist in design, planning and stakeholder engagement activities. The project involves a 60km overhead line passing through a variety of landscapes along the route. The 3D application represents a large study area and includes high-detail models of two proposed substations, featuring realistic access roads, onsite facilities and surrounding vegetation.
Using high detail terrain mapping data 3DW developed a geographically accurate environment that includes low detail representations of all buildings within a 2km-wide route corridor of the line. The model features an advanced interactive editing tool that allows designers and engineers to move, add, or delete individual towers using a 'drag-and-drop' interface. As changes are made the application updates conductor sag and ground clearance in real-time providing technical data such as tower height and angle of deviation.
To aid in visual assessment, the model also includes a toggle between summer and winter tree variants to demonstrate the impact of seasonal foliage on visual screening. The 3D application features interactive overlays of environmental constraints, such as SSSI zones, residential buffers and public rights of way, helping non-technical stakeholders understand the project's design constraints. The interactive 3D solution developed by 3DW for the Towy Teifi Grid Connection has proven to be an essential tool for project communication by providing a much deeper understanding of the proposals to all stakeholders.
