Innovation

HS2 will be a world class 21st century railway service that embraces new technologies
Augmented reality is used to explore station design and construction.

Innovation in the design and build of HS2 will improve productivity.

Innovating to do more with less and create fewer emissions and noise. We will build a legacy of knowledge, expertise and new commercial opportunities for the UK.

Innovation at HS2

Digital Engineering and BIM

HS2 is utilising digital engineering, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) at its core

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Design aspiration

The HS2 design vision sets out three core principles: people, place and time. Scroll to learn more about each of these.

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A wind turbine blade is pulled by a lorry.

Recycling turbine blades to reinforce concrete

A world first pilot will cut carbon production by up to 90%.

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A mobile pilling machine holds up a derrick for piling.

Innovation reducing emissions.

Retrofitting tech on construction machine engines.

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Crane lifts large steel girder into place on a construction site.

[email protected] is HS2’s accelerator programme.

Start-ups are helping us embrace new technologies to build a world class railway.

Find out more now.
Crane unloading a lorry next to the head wall of a cutting.

First intake to HS2 Innovation Accelerator announced.

Five start-ups are now working on key innovation challenges around HS2 construction.

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Aerial CGI image of innovative Interchange station design: showing the railway line, station building, local transport connections and the landscaping around it

HS2 and UK Rail Research and Innovation Network.

Working together to access and accelerate new technologies, and showcase the best of British innovation.

Find out which centres are involved.
TV camera crew interviewing a construction worker.

Innovating to ensure social distancing on construction sites.

The BBC One Show's Tim Peake visited HS2 to learn about the PLINX proximity alarm that stops workers getting too close to each other.

Plant power innovation

  • Using renewable power sources

    Mobile hydrogen and solar power units are supplying electricity on sites.

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  • Trialling the electric telehandler

    The Faresin Eco telehandler is saving 400 litres of fuel a week.

    Discover how

Work force innovation

  • Eliminating hearing damage

    HS2 and Eave use innovation to reduce work-related hearing damage by harnessing the power of data-driven insights.

    Find out how

  • Boosting safety and productivity

    BioSite Systems uses real time data to increase operational efficiency, improve health and safety, and ensure people have the right skills.

    Learn more now

Carbon reduction innovation

  • Using AI to reduce carbon

    Artificial Intelligence is powering a new carbon and cost estimating solution, trialled on our sites by Skanska Costain STRABAG JV.

    Learn more

  • Lowering Co2 in concrete by 42%

    Together, HS2, Skanska, Costain and Cemex are pioneering low-carbon concrete.

    Find out how