National Grid has awarded two parts of a £59bn high voltage direct current (HVDC) supply chain framework that will help integrate more clean energy generation.
Launched in 2023, the HVDC supply chain framework aims to establish long-term, strategic, contractual relationships and secure the critical equipment needed for current and future projects.
Six HVDC cable suppliers being awarded positions on the Framework Agreement totalling approximately £21.3bn, and four suppliers are being awarded places on the HVDC Converter Framework, totalling approximately £24.6bn.
Both Frameworks cover both confirmed and anticipated projects.
The successful HVDC cable suppliers are Hellenic & Jan De Nul Consortium, LS Cable & System, NKT Cables, Prysmian Group, Sumitomo Electric and Taihan Cable & Solution.
The HVDC converter systems Framework has been awarded to GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens Energy.
Contracts have been secured for a five-year period, with the potential to extend for a further three years.
Carl Trowell, President of Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, said: “This is another exciting milestone in delivering the greatest overhaul of the grid in a generation – The Great Grid Upgrade.
“We are committed to building the infrastructure that will enable our country’s current and future energy needs, at pace.
“This framework allows us to harness National Grid’s scale to access global supply chains, drive efficiencies, foster innovative technologies, and contribute to the UK’s economic prosperity.”
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, said: “National Grid is already the largest operator of subsea power cables in the world, the majority of which we delivered in the last six years.
“World record-breaking sites like Viking Link and pioneering projects like LionLink need an ambitious approach for every aspect of their delivery, including with our suppliers.
“Today’s announcement is an important step which strengthens our supply chain. It ensures we can develop and deliver innovative international projects in a timely manner and boosts energy security with confidence.”
Suppliers on the framework will support the delivery of early projects including Eastern Green Link 4, Sealink, Lionlink and other projects of a similar size and nature.
Neil Beardsmore, Executive Global Commercial leader for HVDC at GE Vernova said: “Electrification is the cornerstone of a net-zero future, and at GE Vernova, we are committed to accelerating this transition by delivering integrated solutions that enable large-scale electrification.”
Kostas Savvakis, General Manager, Hellenic Cables, said: “This agreement strengthens our commitment to supporting the UK’s energy transition and offshore wind ambitions. We are proud to be part of this critical framework, providing world-class HVDC cable solutions.”
Wouter Vermeersch, Director Subsea Cables at Jan De Nul, added: “We are proud to partner with National Grid through this framework for strategic HVDC interconnections.
“The agreement confirms our position as World Builders of the energy transition through providing vital power cable links.”