Sarens, a global leader in heavy lifting and engineered transport, is collaborating with Florida Power & Light (FPL) to strengthen the state’s power grid against extreme weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. The project focuses on replacing wooden poles with concrete structures capable of withstanding winds of 130 to 145 miles per hour, reducing the risk of outages during severe weather.
As part of the initiative, Sarens is responsible for removing old wooden poles and transporting and installing new concrete poles weighing between 6,000 and 42,000 pounds and measuring 40 to 75 feet in height. The company selected cranes with lifting capacities ranging from 65 to 350 tons, including Grove 3060 all-terrain models, for their safety, efficiency and mobility. These cranes allow installation on highway rights-of-way with minimal traffic disruption, and setup takes approximately one hour per site.
The work requires careful planning to address logistical challenges such as live power lines, trees, buildings, underground utilities, pedestrian and vehicle traffic, limited visibility at night and varying weather conditions. Sarens personnel, trained in rigging and signaling, carry out lifts safely while considering factors such as weight, height, size, confined space and the number of daily moves. The company also installs transformers as part of the project.
The pole replacement program is part of FPL’s broader strategy to enhance grid reliability and accelerate restoration during outages. The utility has outlined over $28.85 billion in capital investments from 2025 to 2027, much of which will fund storm hardening, smart-grid technology and infrastructure improvements. The upgrades prioritize critical infrastructure, including lines serving hospitals, 911 call centers and emergency services, to maintain essential operations during disasters.
Gerrit Van Doornik, country manager of Sarens USA, noted, “As Florida’s energy and construction sectors continue to expand, the demand for reliable, skilled service providers will only grow. Companies operating in these sectors will need partners who understand their unique needs, offer innovative solutions and ensure timely, cost-effective project execution while maintaining safety and compliance. Companies like Sarens are at the forefront of this transformation, providing the expertise and resources necessary to meet the demands of the state's evolving industrial landscape.”
Sarens has a strong history in heavy lifting and engineered transport across the U.S., contributing to projects such as the construction of the Sphere in Las Vegas and the Shintech VCM 3 plant in Louisiana, as well as accelerated replacement work on the East Shore Expressway in East Providence. The company operates in 65 countries with over 5,000 professionals and offers a wide range of cranes, transporters and rigging solutions.
Through its work with FPL, Sarens is helping improve the resilience of Florida’s electrical grid, enhancing reliability, protecting critical infrastructure and supporting faster restoration during extreme weather events.
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