National Grid has introduced the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) to create a “transformative new approach” to how it works with Britain’s supply chain.
The model aims to accelerate the delivery of £8bn-worth of vital substation infrastructure across England and Wales and support the UK’s clean energy transition.
The initiative awards regional exclusivity of substation work to ETP partners based on how well they perform and their commitment to expanding their capacity, an approach that aims to strengthen the UK supply chain, encourage long term investment, and support the development of local skills and capability.
It follws National Grid’s RIIO-T3 investment plan, which proposes up to £35bn investment in the transmission network in England and Wales over the five years to March 2031, including to build new substations or upgrade existing ones.
As part of the ETP, National Grid expects to award the substation construction work over the RIIO-T3 period, covering multiple regions and around 130 projects.
In July National Grid awarded regional delivery partner status to several successful suppliers, as well as allocating an initial £1.3 billion worth of exclusive work whose contracts will be awarded at a later stage.
Regional delivery partners include:
- Balfour Beatty – North East region
- Morgan Sindall Infrastructure – North West region
- Murphy – South West (region one) and London & South East region
- M Group Energy – South West (region two)
- OTW – Central West region
The awards mean partners will have first refusal of future substation work in the pipeline in their region, providing them with “the certainty they need to invest in growth and capability”, National Grid said.
Two national partners, Linxon and Burns & McDonnell, will support delivery of substation work that falls outside the scope of the regional partners’ portfolios.
The ETP complements the Great Grid Partnership (GGP) and a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) supply chain framework, which are designed to provide greater capacity and resilience across multiple infrastructure construction portfolios.
The ETP model has the potential to be expanded beyond substations in future to include other network infrastructure, National Grid added, “ensuring a consistent and innovative approach to bolstering the supply chain across National Grid’s entire transmission network”, it said.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century, with the potential to revitalise our industrial heartlands with skilled jobs and economic growth.
“This £8 billion partnership from National Grid is proof of that – providing a boost for Britain’s supply chains, investing in the future of our highly skilled workforce and helping to deliver clean, homegrown power that we control.”
Alice Delahunty, president of National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:
“Our Electricity Transmission Partnership marks a bold shift in how we deliver vital electricity infrastructure. By adopting a regional, long term approach, we’re giving our supply chain the certainty to invest in people, skills and innovation.
“It’s a key step in turning our RIIO-T3 investment ambitions into action and building a resilient grid to support Britain’s clean energy future.”
Tony Wilson, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said:
“We’re proud to be a regional delivery partner for National Grid’s Electricity Transmission Partnership, and especially to be entrusted with the North East – an area where we have a strong presence and a long-standing commitment, having delivered major energy infrastructure projects across the region for decades.
“This appointment recognises our proven track record in delivering critical infrastructure and our ability to mobilise skilled teams and innovative solutions at scale. The new model is a bold and timely step that will strengthen National Grid’s supply chain and accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero.”
Simon Smith, managing director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:
“With strong ties for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure in the North West, we are proud to continue to strengthen our strategic long term relationship with National Grid and support the delivery of RIIO-T3.
“This latest investment cycle from National Grid will not only be pivotal to the UK by further strengthening the energy network for current and future resilience, but it brings so much for local communities with diverse career opportunities and the utilisation of local supply chain.”
Liam Corr, energy managing director at Murphy, said:
“Murphy is proud to be a part of this new partnership, which builds on our existing strong relationship with National Grid. Our company purpose is to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure, and the ETP framework sets out to do just this – reinforcing Britain’s transmission network for the benefit of all who live here.”
Steve Convery, substations director at M Group Energy, said:
“We’re pleased to receive the appointment to the Electricity Transmission Partnership. This partnership will enable us to manage energy projects across South Wales and the South West in the coming years.
“We’re excited about this opportunity, and look forward to working closely with National Grid, customers, supply chain and associated stakeholders to successfully deliver these essential upgrades, working towards a clean energy future.”
Yousef Chamaneh, country manager (UK) at Linxon, said:
“This partnership presents a transformative opportunity – one that calls for bold vision and deep collaboration. At Linxon, we are energised by the scale of what lies ahead and committed to working hand-in-hand with National Grid and our fellow partners to deliver lasting impact. We are truly grateful for the trust placed in us and excited to help shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”
Jason Chandler, UK transmission & distribution managing director at Burns & McDonnell, said:
“This partnership with National Grid reflects the progress that Burns & McDonnell has made in the UK and the growing strength of our relationships across the sector. I am incredibly proud of this appointment and the work done to date to get us to this point.
“Being named a national delivery partner allows us to help shape the future of the UK’s transmission network, delivering the infrastructure needed for a secure, low carbon economy.”
Image of Sandford substation courtesy of National Grid
