National Grid has unveiled an £8bn Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) to accelerate substation upgrades and construction across England and Wales.
The initiative forms part of the company’s wider £35bn RIIO-T3 transmission investment plan through to 2031.
The ETP introduces a regional delivery model aimed at strengthening UK supply chain capacity, supporting skills development, and providing long-term certainty for partners.
National Grid has awarded regional delivery roles to Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Murphy, M Group Energy, and the OTW joint venture.
Under the model, regional partners receive first refusal on substation work in their assigned areas, with performance-linked exclusivity designed to encourage investment in workforce and infrastructure.
Two national partners, Linxon and Burns & McDonnell, will handle work outside regional allocations.
National Grid said the programme will cover around 130 substation projects over the RIIO-T3 period, with £1.3bn of contracts already identified.
The company added that the ETP complements its Great Grid Partnership and HVDC supply chain framework, and could eventually expand beyond substations to other grid infrastructure.
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “This £8 billion partnership from National Grid is proof of the clean energy transition’s economic potential – providing a boost for Britain’s supply chains, investing in skilled jobs, and helping to deliver clean, homegrown power.”
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.”
Balfour Beatty power transmission managing director Tony Wilson said the model “will strengthen National Grid’s supply chain and accelerate the UK’s journey to net zero”.
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure managing director Simon Smith said the plan would “strengthen the energy network for current and future resilience” and support local communities.
Murphy energy managing director Liam Corr added: “The ETP framework reinforces Britain’s transmission network for the benefit of all who live here.”
Other partner executives echoed support for the programme’s regional focus and long-term vision.