National Grid launches a new market mechanism to boost nature recovery across new infrastructure projects
- National Grid has launched a new initiative to support the delivery of biodiversity gains, marine restoration and enhancement, and climate contributions.
- The Qualifying Utilities Dynamic Market (QUDM) brings together pre-qualified suppliers capable of delivering nature-based solutions at scale, enabling more consistent delivery of environmental improvements.
- Prospective suppliers can apply to join at any time, with National Grid able to review and accept new companies as part of the dynamic market.
Delivering new transmission projects presents an opportunity not only to upgrade infrastructure but to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity and support local communities.
National Grid will be looking for qualified suppliers to help us deliver environmental commitments, including achieving a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on all new projects requiring planning permission. Marine restoration and enhancement will also be supported, while delivering offshore subsea cable projects. The QUDM will also enable further investment into projects offering climate contributions and wider benefits.
The market will enable the delivery of off-site BNG through expert partners, who will manage and monitor long-term projects, contributing to wider environmental and societal benefits. Securing at least 30 years of habitat management will ensure lasting benefits for communities and the environment.
National Grid will prioritise the provision of BNG within areas identified in the Local Nature Recovery Strategies, to make sure that we support nature with targeted and coordinated action and in line with plans put together by people who know and understand the area. The 10% BNG means that the development will leave habitats in a measurably better condition than before.
Through the market, National Grid is seeking partners who can deliver:
- offsite biodiversity gains, including formal biodiversity units (BNG)
- broader nature-based solutions supporting ecosystem recovery and community benefits
- marine restoration and enhancement solutions and additional social benefits
- high-quality carbon credits and climate contributions
Together, these solutions will help ensure National Grid’s projects deliver lasting benefits for nature, climate and local communities.
Kat Stanhope, Strategic BNG Manager at National Grid, said:
“Launching the QUDM is an important step in how we collaborate with partners to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes alongside our infrastructure projects.
“As we continue to invest in upgrading and expanding our networks, we have a significant opportunity to deliver biodiversity net gain, support nature recovery, and create wider benefits for communities.
“The QUDM allows us to work with a diverse range of high-integrity organisations who share our ambition, ensuring we can access high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the scale of the challenge ahead.”
Organisations interested in joining the QUDM can find further information and details on how to apply via the Government’s Find a Tender service.