The UK government has set a target to deploy 50 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030. But to achieve this and ensure the effective distribution of this power, our energy network requires a radical transformation.
National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade is a major grid modernisation programme that will connect clean energy from where it’s generated to homes and businesses across England and Wales by the end of the decade.
To accomplish this at the necessary scale and pace, National Grid has launched the Great Grid Partnership – a collaborative enterprise model that unites an initial seven supply chain partners to deliver the first nine projects of this groundbreaking programme.
Our joint venture with Arup has been appointed as one of two design and consenting service partners, alongside WSP. Responsible for the planning, Development Consent Order (DCO) and design, we will be working closely with five construction partners including Laing O’Rourke, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Morrison Energy Services, Murphy, and Omexom / Taylor Woodrow (OTW).
Why is the Great Grid Upgrade needed?
As we transition away from fossil fuels, electricity demand in the UK is set to double by 2050. The existing grid, however, lacks the capacity to handle the substantial rise in renewable energy generation.
The Great Grid Upgrade must deliver five times more electricity infrastructure over the next six years than has been constructed over the past 30.
The programme comprises 17 major onshore and offshore projects that will both scale up the grid and update our existing networks, boosting the grid’s capacity to transport renewable energy – such as wind and solar – from its source to where it’s needed.
These improvements will not only help the UK meet its net-zero goals but also strengthen energy security. Additionally, by leveraging home-grown renewable power, which is generally cheaper than imported gas, the upgrade will help keep energy costs down.
The Great Grid Upgrade must deliver five times more electricity infrastructure over the next six years than has been constructed over the past 30.
A new model of supply chain cooperation
A programme of this scale demands an innovative approach. The Great Grid Partnership is therefore designed to speed up the delivery of this much-needed national electricity infrastructure.
This partnership brings together seven of National Grid’s supply chain partners to deliver an initial nine Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects, which form a major part of the upgrade.
By fostering collaboration and pooling resources and skills, the Great Grid Partnership will enable faster and more efficient delivery. According to National Grid, this enterprise model will enhance supply chain capacity and provide better value for money – benefiting both consumers and local communities.
Initially focusing on network design and construction work across England and Wales, the partnership is part of a broader £9 billion supply chain framework that will support further infrastructure projects after 2030.
Applying our extensive DCO application expertise to the Great Grid Upgrade
In accordance with the Planning Act 2008, all large-scale developments classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in England and Wales require permission from the relevant Secretary of State for their construction and operation. This is obtained through a DCO application.
Out of the initial nine ASTI projects, five are classified as NSIPs and AECOM is involved in two of those five.
As design and consenting service partner, we will guide each project through the DCO application process, conducting environmental assessments, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and engaging stakeholders on the designs. Having supported over 15 successful DCOs for UK energy clients, we have a proven track record of navigating these challenges.
Our integrated and collaborative approach will further ensure the DCO process is as robust as possible, harnessing knowledge from across disciplines to address potential risks and maintain consistency.
Transforming the UK’s energy landscape
Modernising the national grid is one of the UK’s most important and complex infrastructure projects in generations – especially as we strive towards net zero and decarbonising our electricity supply.
By bringing together expertise from across the industry, the Great Grid Partnership is set to make a lasting impact on the UK’s energy landscape.
“We’re excited to work with National Grid and our partners to shape the energy transition in England and Wales through the delivery of modern, stable and flexible grid infrastructure,” said Colin Wood, chief executive of AECOM’s Europe and India region.