National Grid has unveiled an Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) worth £8 billion, aimed at fast tracking the construction and upgrading of critical substations throughout England and Wales. This initiative forms a central component of the RIIO T3 investment programme, which allocates up to £35 billion for transmission network improvements through 2031. The ETP will deliver projects essential to supporting the UK’s shift to clean energy.

A regional delivery model to bolster the UK supply chain

Under this model, delivery partners are granted regional exclusivity for substation projects based on performance and scaling commitments. This long term approach provides suppliers with the certainty needed to invest in local skills, infrastructure and innovation.

Strategic partners assigned by region

National Grid has appointed the following firms as regional delivery partners:

• Balfour Beatty – North East

• Morgan Sindall Infrastructure – North West

• Murphy – South West and London/South East

• M Group Energy – Second South West region

• Omexom/Taylor Woodrow (OTW) – Central West

Two national partners, Linxon and Burns & McDonnell, will lead on projects outside the defined regional boundaries.

Scale and economic impact

The ETP covers approximately 130 substation projects, with £1.3 billion worth of initial contracts identified. It complements other strategic programmes like the Great Grid Partnership and HVDC supply chain initiatives, and may expand into broader transmission infrastructure in the future.

Endorsements from government and industry

UK government ministers have highlighted this partnership as a powerful example of the economic value in the clean energy transition—supporting domestic supply chains, creating skilled jobs, and helping deliver clean, locally generated power. Leadership at National Grid described the ETP as a decisive shift in infrastructure delivery, enabling long term investment in workforce and resilience. Industry partners affirm that the model will strengthen the network, benefit local communities and accelerate the UK’s path to net zero emissions.