Building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for everyone is a central tenet of WJ Group‘s ethos. In November 2022, this commitment to innovation and sustainability was recognised at the BDA Industry Excellence Award, hosted during the British Drilling Association’s Annual Awards (BDA).
WJ UK proudly received first place in the Industry Excellence Award category for its Commachio MC6 plug-in electric drilling rig. The judging panel highlighted how the introduction of emissions-free machinery offers substantial benefits not only to project performance but also to operators, communities, and the environment by reducing the overall carbon footprint of drilling activities.
Why the BDA Industry Excellence Award Matters
The BDA Industry Excellence Award is one of the most respected accolades in the UK drilling and geotechnical sector. It recognises organisations that demonstrate technical innovation, sustainable practices, and a forward-thinking approach to improving industry standards.
For WJ, receiving this award validates years of investment in research, equipment development, and collaboration with clients to deliver greener and more cost-effective solutions in complex drilling environments.
The Winning Technology: Commachio MC6 Plug-In Electric Rig
At the centre of this recognition is WJ’s Commachio MC6 electric drilling rig. Unlike conventional diesel-powered rigs, the MC6 runs entirely on mains electricity, producing zero on-site emissions. This offers several advantages:
- Cleaner air: No harmful diesel fumes, improving conditions for operators and nearby communities.
- Reduced noise pollution: Quieter operations, ideal for projects in urban areas.
- Lower carbon footprint: Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cost savings: Lower fuel costs and greater efficiency over the project lifecycle.
The MC6 has already proven its value on underground drilling projects where sustainability and site safety are top priorities.
Leadership and Recognition
Stuart Ward, WJ’s Drilling Manager, received the award on behalf of the company from BDA Chair Paul McMann, alongside the evening’s celebrity compere, Alfie Moore.
Commenting on the achievement, Richard Fielden, WJ’s CEO, said:
“We are really pleased to receive this award. Going fully electric was a bold move in our sector and requires much more pre-planning and collaboration with our clients to organise and distribute mains electricity, but the benefits are apparent, and they bring substantial cost savings.”
WJ’s Commitment to Sustainability
The BDA Industry Excellence Award is just one milestone in WJ’s long-term strategy to reduce its environmental impact. Alongside the MC6, the company has invested in a range of electric plant and equipment as part of its journey toward net-zero CO₂ emissions.
By prioritising renewable energy solutions, electric machinery, and innovative engineering techniques, WJ aims to set a benchmark for sustainable practices in the dewatering and drilling industry.
You can learn more about the MC6 and WJ’s wider environmental initiatives in our guide: Going Electric.
Building Greener Futures with WJ
Winning the BDA Industry Excellence Award demonstrates that sustainability and technical excellence can go hand in hand. By combining cutting-edge equipment with expert project delivery, WJ UK continues to lead the way in creating a more sustainable, environmentally responsible industry.
Make sustainability the foundation of your next project with WJ. Explore our services here.
As the construction and geotechnical sectors adapt to new environmental challenges, WJ remains committed to driving positive change. Winning the BDA Industry Excellence Award is more than a recognition of past achievements — it reflects our ongoing promise to invest in sustainable technologies, reduce emissions, and deliver projects that benefit both clients and communities.
Looking ahead, WJ UK will continue to champion innovation and sustainability across all operations, ensuring that every project contributes to building a greener and more resilient future.
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