Contractors are being sought for £4.5bn-worth of initial work, as part of a major overhaul of the UK’s electricity network.
National Grid issued a contract notice for its Great Grid Upgrade Partnership, covering electricity transmission infrastructure work due by 2030.
The London-based utilities giant described it as the “largest overhaul of the grid in generations”. It is part of an effort to carry more clean energy to homes and help the UK reach net zero faster.
Between four and six construction firms are required to deliver infrastructure such as new overhead lines and substations, National Grid said. Two design and consenting service partners are also needed.
The total contract value is listed as £9.28bn, which covers the extra major electricity transmission network projects needed to hit net zero by 2050.
The initial agreement will be for eight years, but is extendable by up to 12 years, according to the contract notice.
Matt Staley, National Grid’s director of onshore delivery, said: “In our Great Grid Upgrade Partnership, we are looking for supply chain partners with a history of successful collaboration, innovation, sustainable practice and commitment to responsible business.”
The project will initially centre on nine onshore projects across England and Wales.
Staley added: “By working together, we can connect more clean, renewable energy from where it’s generated out at sea to where it’s needed, helping contribute to lower energy bills over the long term, providing a catalyst for a green-jobs boom and making the UK’s energy more self-sufficient.”
Earlier this month, the FTSE 100-listed National Grid reported a 4 per cent rise in pre-tax annual profit to £3.59bn. Chief executive John Pettigrew called it “another year of significant progress”.
