National Grid has completed its high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) civil works supply chain framework, securing agreements valued at £12bn ($16.08bn).
The British electricity and gas utility company said that this development represents the final phase of its £59bn supply chain framework awards.
National Grid chief engineer and offshore delivery director of strategic infrastructure Zac Richardson said: “This marks a major step forward in delivering the UK’s future energy network.
“This investment not only underpins the transition to a more secure, independent and low-carbon energy future, but will also support tens of thousands of UK jobs, boost regional supply chains and strengthen our construction and engineering sectors.”
The framework includes the awarding of contracts to six HV DC converter civil works suppliers under Lot 1, amounting to approximately £9.07bn.
The successful suppliers are Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall, Galliford Try, Laing O’Rourke, Skanska, and Taylor Woodrow.
Additionally, three suppliers have been selected for Lot 2, which pertains to HV DC onshore cable civil works, with an estimated value of £3.7bn.
The awarded suppliers for this lot are Balfour Beatty, Murphy, and VolkerFitzpatrick.
The contracts are set for an initial five-year term, with the possibility of extending for an additional three years.
These frameworks encompass both confirmed and anticipated projects, including the Eastern Green Link 4, developed in collaboration with SP Energy Networks, and LionLink, in partnership with TenneT.
Recently, National Grid has also announced preferred bidders for the Sea Link and Eastern Green Link 4 projects through its 'HVDC Converter' framework.
The first tender under the new HV DC civil works framework is expected to commence soon, focusing on the shared southern works necessary for both Eastern Green Link 3 and Eastern Green Link 4.
Gareth Burden, construction director of National Grid’s LionLink project, said: “Awarding these HV DC agreements is essential to strengthen our supply chain for our future projects. Today’s announcement ensures we are well-placed to progress LionLink and deliver the vital energy infrastructure the nation needs to be more energy secure, whilst lowering household energy bills.”
