The UK’s National Grid has initiated a new framework aimed at enhancing its collaboration with suppliers for the development of substation infrastructure across England and Wales.
With a financial commitment of £8bn ($10.5bn), the framework is known as the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) and represents a shift towards a long-term cooperative model that focuses on building robust regional partnerships.
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It rewards suppliers based on their performance and their willingness to increase their operational capacity, to fortify the UK supply chain and encourage sustained investment while developing local skills.
National Grid plans to allocate £8bn for substation construction projects during the RIIO-T3 period, which includes 130 initiatives across various regions.
The effort is part of a larger investment strategy, the RIIO-T3 plan, which outlines potential investments of up to £35bn in the transmission network up to 2030, aimed at constructing new substations and upgrading existing facilities.
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated: “The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century, with the potential to revitalise our industrial heartlands with skilled jobs and economic growth.
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By GlobalData“This £8bn partnership from National Grid is proof of that – providing a boost for Britain’s supply chains, investing in the future of our highly skilled workforce and helping to deliver clean, homegrown power that we control.”
In July 2025, National Grid announced the selection of several suppliers as regional delivery partners, along with an initial allocation of £1.3bn for exclusive projects, with contracts to be finalised later.
The designated regional partners are Balfour Beatty for the northeast, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure for the northwest, Murphy for the southwest and London and the southeast, M Group Energy for the southwest (region two), and OTW for the central west region.
These partners will have priority access to future substation projects in their designated areas, allowing them to plan for growth and capability enhancement.
Linxon and Burns & McDonnell have been appointed as national partners to assist with substation projects not covered by the regional partners.
The ETP is part of a wider strategy by National Grid to improve its supply chain framework, which also includes the Great Grid Partnership) and a new high voltage direct current supply chain framework.
These initiatives aim to enhance capacity and resilience across various infrastructure projects.
The ETP model may be extended to include other types of network infrastructure, ensuring a cohesive approach to strengthening the supply chain throughout National Grid’s transmission network in England and Wales.
National Grid electricity transmission president Alice Delahunty stated: “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. It’s a key step in turning our RIIO-T3 investment ambitions into action and building a resilient grid to support Britain’s clean energy future.”
