Balfour Beatty is supporting the next phase of National Grid’s Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP), which will see major upgrades to overhead lines across England and Wales to increase network capacity and enable new connections.
Under the programme, an initial £1.2 billion of reconductoring projects - spanning more than 1,000km of overhead line routes - will be delivered through a collaborative partnership model, supported by Balfour Beatty, M Group, Morgan Sindall, Murphy and Omexom.
Reconductoring involves upgrading existing lines with modern materials so they can carry more electricity. By making best use of infrastructure already in place, the approach reduces the need for new lines while helping to meet growing demand for electricity.
Building on Balfour Beatty’s role in the first phase of the ETP, which focused on substation infrastructure, this latest programme reflects the company's continued commitment to collaborative delivery alongside National Grid and it’s supply chain partners. The model encourages closer working between partners, supports investment in skills and capability, and promotes consistent standards and innovation across projects.
Through this approach, partners are able to plan ahead, share expertise and deliver projects more efficiently - improving safety, productivity and long-term value for customers.
Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with National Grid as part of the next phase of the Electricity Transmission Partnership, with upgrades to existing overhead lines representing a vital and efficient way to increase network capacity and support the growing demand for electricity.
“Through this collaborative model, we can combine our expertise with National Grid and our supply chain partners to safely deliver essential infrastructure, strengthen the resilience of the network and help enable the UK’s transition to a more secure, low carbon energy system.”
Alice Delahunty, president of electricity transmission at National Grid, said: “Upgrading our existing network is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to increase capacity and strengthen resilience, alongside the vital role of building new infrastructure to meet growing demand.
“Through our Electricity Transmission Partnership, we’re delivering critical investment in the network while supporting skilled jobs, strengthening UK supply chains and helping to power long term economic growth.”
The programme forms a key part of National Grid’s RIIO-T3 investment plan, which aims to upgrade significant portions of the transmission network through to 2031. This includes the upgrading of around half of the existing transmission network to support increased electricity demand and facilitate the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy system.
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Image: Electricity Transmission Partnership logo
