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26 OCU Group Annual report and financial statements 2026
Operational review continued United Kingdom market review
Energy Transformation A broader, more integrated platform across onshore wind, battery storage, grid connections, high-voltage direct current infrastructure, and emerging low-carbon heat.
FY26 progress Energy Transformation developed both organically and through acquisition during FY26. The OCU Energy platform continued to deliver battery energy storage, grid connections and high‑voltage infrastructure. There was an acceleration of demand in smaller connection requirements, while OCU Trenchless provided specialist cable and pipe installation. RJ McLeod contributed specialist engineering in remote‑location delivery and deep onshore‑renewables experience. The result was an integrated self-delivery model across a broad spectrum of projects. Several delivered projects demonstrate the progression. RJ McLeod acted as principal contractor on the completed Viking Wind Farm, one of the UK’s largest onshore wind farms, comprising 103 turbines and 443 MW of capacity, with up to 350 people working on the program at peak. At Ferrybridge, as principal contractor for SSE’s 150 MW battery project, providing the turnkey proposition from design through civils, electrical balance of plant, build and commissioning, followed by maintenance. OCU also supported GE Vernova’s Sofia high-voltage direct current scheme at the Redcar converter station, delivering valve hall communications, fibre connections and cabling, and upgraded Associated British Ports’ ageing high-voltage network to support port electrification and ship‑to-shore power.
Other programs advanced during the year rather than reaching completion. The Orkney‑Caithness interconnector landfalls brought together HDD, ground engineering and cable route experience. Work on Eccles and other battery projects combined project leadership, ground engineering and technical support from multiple OCU acquired businesses. The Devilla Wood battery energy storage system (BESS) project further demonstrates the integrated model, bringing together the Group's ground engineering, electrical, commissioning and maintenance scope for a 500 MW battery energy storage facility. “Our operating references now span onshore wind, energy storage, private networks, ports and grid infrastructure. Ferrybridge has been especially important because it created a repeatable turnkey reference and led into maintenance. We will use that experience selectively: leaning into projects where we can govern design and delivery interfaces, work with clients early and retain the specialist activities that protect safety, program and quality.”
The important change in FY26 was not simply that the Group held more capability; it was that the capability worked together. OCU Energy, OCU Trenchless and RJ McLeod fully integrated with acquired specialists on live projects. That gives us more control of critical interfaces and a clearer route from design and enabling works through construction, commissioning and into maintenance. Neil O’Hara Chief Operating Officer, OCU Energy
Jim Richie Senior Operations Director, Energy Transformation
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