Upgrading our networks to support the clean energy transition

The Great Grid Upgrade

The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the UK electricity grid in generations. It will enable us to carry clean, secure energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, boosting energy security and helping the nation to become more self sufficient. The initiative consists of 17 major infrastructure projects across England and Wales to connect more clean, affordable energy to the network.

Our progress on The Great Grid Upgrade this year includes:

• Obtaining approval on our Development Consent Order application on the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
• Receiving planning permission from Thurrock Council and Gravesham Borough Council on the Grain to Tilbury project, negotiating the purchase of land, and signing contracts
• Completing the first stage of public consultation on the Chesterfield to Willington and Grimsby to Walpole projects
• Beginning construction on the Yorkshire GREEN Energy Enablement project
• Starting construction on Eastern Green Link 1 and Eastern Green Link 2
• Conducting the first stage non- statutory consultation on Eastern Green Link 3 and 4
• Carrying out non- statutory consultation on a potential alternative corridor for a section of the North Humber to High Marnham project
• Consulting the public about our new substation proposals for Brinsworth to High Marnham

More about The Great Grid Upgrade.

400kV grid park – plugging in three projects at once

This year, we energised our first grid park at 400 kV Sundon substation in Bedfordshire, introducing a new and innovative way for renewable energy schemes to connect to the transmission network. Sundon is a first of its kind design that plugs three projects at the same point into a single supergrid transformer, saving time and money. It is the first of several grid parks in development by National Grid to connect increasing volumes of renewable projects in a cost-effective way.

John Twomey, Director of Customer and Network Development for National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:

Our grid park concept brings innovation, efficiency and flexibility to the complex engineering challenge of grid connections, which benefits consumers and boosts progress toward achieving net zero targets. Sundon’s energisation and the connection of these important local projects marks yet another notable step in Britain’s energy transition.

The UK’s first transmission-connected solar farm

In November 2024, we completed final commissioning and compliance works on Enso Energy and Cero Generation's new 50 MW Larks Green Solar Farm near Bristol. Larks Green is the first solar array to connect directly to the transmission network in the UK. The project involved the installation of a new switchgear at the site and the running of a high voltage cable between the substation and solar farm, as well as connection of a 99 MWh battery storage system.

The Upstate Upgrade

We’re also upgrading the transmission grid in New York to improve resiliency and reliability and connect clean energy. New York’s electric network will need to evolve and expand in capacity over the next 20 years due to the electrification of transport and heating, higher cooling needs because of climate change, and the connection of more clean energy resources.

Upstate Upgrade is a $4 billion investment in three key areas:

• Network infrastructure to make the grid stronger, more resilient and ready to accommodate increased power flows and new connections.
• Technology and platforms to make the grid smarter and more flexible, dynamic, secure and efficient and to provide greater visibility into and control of system operations.
• Customer programmes to deliver clean energy solutions and put customers in control of their energy choices and use.
   

Projects included in the Upstate Upgrade:

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