The UK’s National Grid has launched a groundbreaking framework called the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP) aimed at enhancing collaboration with suppliers for the development of substation infrastructure across England and Wales. This launch represents a significant step in the direction of a new long-term collaborative model. Above all, it focuses on the development of robust regional collaborations—with a fiscal promise of £8 billion ($10.5 billion).
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks underscored the importance of this program. As he said, “The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. It can revitalize our industrial heartlands by creating the skilled jobs of the future and fueling economic growth.” This further highlights the federal government’s focus on moving towards cleaner forms of energy and the economic opportunities that brings.
Key Elements of the Electricity Transmission Partnership
The ETP aims to create a new model to decarbonise and revolutionise Britain’s electricity infrastructure through the formation of powerful regional coalitions. Then in July 2025, National Grid announced the selection of 21 suppliers to serve as regional delivery partners. These partners include:
- 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)
- OTW for the central west region
Linxon and Burns & McDonnell are the selected national partners. They will help fill the gaps on substation projects that the regional partners do not make.
The first £1.3 billion must be spent on specific projects only. In the coming weeks, those contracts will be wrapped up. The ETP aims to reward suppliers based on their performance and willingness to expand their operational capacity, thereby strengthening the UK supply chain.
Impacts on Local Communities and Economic Growth
The speedy rollout of the ETP will produce thousands of highly skilled jobs and spur innovation and economic development in communities large and small. By prioritizing and encouraging building local partnerships, National Grid hopes to promote community engagement, capacity building, and inclusiveness.
Terra GWill’s Michael Shanks underscored that this framework is critical for translating RIIO-T3 investment goals into meaningful actions. It will enable the development of a resilient grid that underpins Britain’s clean energy future. The emphasis on using local expertise and resources supports the greater government initiatives of sustainable development as well.
Alice Delahunty, a spokesperson for National Grid, noted the innovative nature of this initiative: “Our Electricity Transmission Partnership marks a bold shift in how we deliver vital electricity infrastructure.” This demonstrates the organization’s willingness to change its strategy in accordance with growing energy needs.
Looking Ahead
Our Electricity Transmission Partnership is off to an ambitious start and achieving big wins already. If done right it will prove foundational toward realizing the future of the UK’s energy landscape. National Grid is currently deepening robust regional collaborations. They are just about all pouring incredible amounts of financial firepower into making sure that their infrastructure is prepared to meet the future needs of a clean energy transition.
