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Selection of contractors for the high voltage direct current (HVDC) civils framework marks the third and final stage of National Grid’s £59bn supply chain framework awards for the Great Grid Upgrade.

Six HVDC converter civil works suppliers have been awarded positions on Lot 1 of the framework, totalling approximately £9.07bn. In addition, three HVDC onshore cable civil works suppliers being awarded places on Lot 2 of the framework, worth an estimated £3.7bn.

The HVDC converter civils suppliers are:

• Balfour Beatty
• Bam Nuttall
• Galliford Try
• Laing O’Rourke
• Skanska
• Taylor Woodrow.

The HVDC onshore cable civils framework has been awarded to:

• Balfour Beatty
• Murphy
• VolkerFitzpatrick.

The contracts run for five years, with the potential to extend for a further three years. Both frameworks cover confirmed and anticipated projects, including Eastern Green Link 4, in partnership with SP Energy Networks and LionLink in partnership with TenneT.

Through the HVDC converter framework National Grid has also recently announced preferred bidders for Sea Link and Eastern Green Link 4.

The first tender under the new HVDC civils framework will soon be under way for the shared southern works required for Eastern Green Link 3 and Eastern Green Link 4, National Grid said.

Zac Richardson, chief engineer and offshore delivery director of strategic infrastructure at National Grid, 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. By building strategic, long-term partnerships with leading UK-based contractors, we’re ensuring the UK is ready to meet the growing demand for electricity with a resilient and modern network.

Gareth Burden, construction director of National Grid’s LionLink project, added: “Awarding these HVDC 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.”

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