National Grid has completed the main building structure for its new 400kV Wallend substation on the Isle of Grain in Kent.
The company said the project will enhance network resilience, flexibility and capacity, while enabling connections for major energy schemes including the 1.4GW NeuConnect interconnector between the UK and Germany.
National Grid added the substation forms part of its £2.7 billion investment programme in the South East and will support the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions.
The next phase of the project will focus on installing and testing gas-insulated switchgear and associated electrical equipment before connection to the grid.
Balfour Beatty is acting as principal contractor for the design and build of the substation, while Hitachi Energy will supply SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear technology.
Local community organisations can apply for grants of up to £20,000 through National Grid’s Community Grant Programme to support projects delivering social, economic or environmental benefits.
Hannah Ward, EPC project manager at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “The Wallend Substation represents a key investment in strengthening the UK’s electricity network and enabling cleaner, more secure power for the future.
“Completion of the main building structure is an important milestone in the construction programme and a clear sign of the progress being made on site.”
Tony Wilson, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “Completion of the main building structure at the new 400kV Wallend Substation marks an important milestone in this nationally significant project.
“Working in close partnership with National Grid, we are proud to be strengthening the electricity network and enabling the delivery of cleaner, more secure energy.”