EarthGrid says it has demonstrated plasma-powered excavation technology in Europe for the first time.
In collaboration with Norway’s power systems operator, Statnett, EarthGrid conducted a test campaign of its Plasma Excavation System (PES) in Norwegian hard rock. The company says this validates its ability to remove hard rock without explosives, mechanical cutters, drilling chemicals, or disruptive vibrations.
“We think the technology is exciting as it operates vibration-free and can be suitable for removing rock near energised facilities, thus contributing to more efficient operation and shorter shutdown times for Statnett. Through the demo days, we have had the opportunity to test the machine under Norwegian conditions. We have learned a lot and achieved promising results,” said Statnett’s director of R&D and innovation. “We want to be at the forefront of introducing innovative technology and solutions that can provide great benefits for Statnett and society, and that’s why we invited EarthGrid to Trondheim.”
Norway faces unique challenges in modernising its energy grid, with northern and southern networks still unconnected and the need for infrastructure development across environmentally sensitive and populated areas. Conventional methods like drill-and-blast often pose safety, noise, and environmental concerns.
EarthGrid says its tests in Norway follow its success in California’s Sierra granite in June this year and demonstrate the company’s commitment to adapting its technology for European conditions and energy needs.
“With this campaign, we’re validating PES under real-world conditions in Europe,” said EarthGrid’s vice-president of operations, Ben Corwin. “The insights from Norway will directly inform the operational playbook for deploying this technology on future pilot projects.”
EarthGrid is now seeking pilot project partners across utilities, infrastructure developers, and contractors to accelerate the adoption of plasma-powered excavation technology for real-world use.
The Norway campaign also paves the way for EarthGrid’s tunnel boring robot (TBR), scheduled for a 10m test tunnel in solid granite in early 2026. The TBR has the same plasma-boring technology at its core, scaling the system for larger and more complex tunnelling projects.
EarthGrid’s vice-president of engineering, Mark Park, said lessons learned from the PES test campaign would directly inform the continuing development of the TBR.
