Projects, results and appearances.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) Energy Innovation Summit in Glasgow showcased cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of the energy sector. Among the standout highlights was National Grid's presentation of the ODB System, an innovative approach used in the decommissioning of old oil-filled cables in London.

The project demonstrated strong results, underlining how advanced technologies can improve safety, efficiency and environmental performance in legacy infrastructure decommissioning. The showcase reinforced the role of collaboration and innovation in accelerating the energy transition across the UK's networks.

A groundbreaking collaboration between Statnett SF and project partners has introduced an innovative bacteria-based solution for removing oil from decommissioned power cables in Norway. The project marks the first application of this technology in the country, using the ODB System to efficiently clean older, oil-filled cables.

By leveraging naturally occurring bacteria, the approach minimises environmental impact and eliminates the need for extensive excavation work. This sustainable method represents a major step forward in responsible infrastructure decommissioning and supports the energy sector's transition toward cleaner, more efficient solutions.

National Grid has introduced a newly developed bacteria-based method for the decommissioning of fluid-filled transmission cables on the LPT2 section in London. The decommissioning of these cables has traditionally been an intense, complex and lengthy process. Conventional nitrogen purging typically removes only around 40% of the oil during the initial stage and can require up to five additional years of ongoing purging to address the remaining oil.

The newly discovered approach is capable of removing more than 95% of the cable oil within just 14 to 16 weeks. By dramatically reducing the need for extensive excavation, the solution significantly limits disruption to local communities while mitigating environmental risks associated with residual oil. This innovation represents a major advancement in sustainable transmission infrastructure decommissioning.

Oil-filled cables have long been a critical component of urban electricity distribution systems. After decades of operation, many of these cables are now being decommissioned, presenting significant environmental challenges due to the large volumes of oil retained within their insulating paper matrix. If left untreated, this residual oil poses a serious risk to soil and groundwater once cables are taken out of service.

The ODB System is an innovative bacteria-based technology capable of removing more than 95% of the remaining oil from decommissioned cables. By injecting bacteria directly into the paper matrix, the system effectively cleans the cables, allowing them to be safely left in the ground without environmental risk.

It eliminates the need for complex and costly excavation and civil works, significantly reducing disruption in dense urban environments. The technology is currently being used by National Grid in London and Statnett in Oslo, as well as by several other European distribution system operators.

Recently, bionrec presented the ODB System at ELFACK in Sweden, where it generated strong interest from industry professionals — highlighting growing recognition of sustainable, efficient solutions for cable decommissioning across Europe.

The ODB System is attracting global attention for its efficiency and sustainability. By injecting bacteria directly into the insulating paper matrix, the technology effectively cleans cables, allowing them to be safely left in the ground while eliminating environmental hazards and avoiding costly excavation and civil works.

bionrec presented its technology at CIRED 2025, the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Electricity Distribution, in Geneva, Switzerland, from 16–19 June 2025. As the premier international forum for the electricity distribution community, CIRED brings together professionals to explore innovations, research and technical developments in the sector. The company's participation sparked significant international interest in this approach to cable decommissioning.