Yorkshire GREEN reaches major construction milestones as energy network upgrade progresses

The Yorkshire GREEN project has reached a series of major construction milestones, 18 months after main construction began, with work progressing well across the route.

Since main construction started in January 2025 the project has delivered significant progress. This includes construction starting on new substations at Overton and Monk Fryston, installation of 28 new permanent pylons and 25 kilometres of new overhead electricity lines.  

In addition, eight 200 tonne supergrid transformers were successfully delivered and installed, marking a key step towards strengthening the region’s electricity network. 

Yorkshire GREEN is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity network in a generation. With homes, businesses and public services across Yorkshire using more electricity, and more clean energy connecting to the grid, projects like Yorkshire GREEN are essential to increasing capacity and keep power flowing reliably across the region. 

National Grid recognises the importance of ensuring that communities hosting infrastructure see clear and lasting benefits. As construction progresses, the project is supporting contractors across Yorkshire, helping to create skilled jobs and giving local businesses opportunities to take part. 

The project has also awarded nearly £500,000 to support local community projects and initiatives. Organisations in East Riding and North Yorkshire have recently received funding for new play facilities, outdoor fitness equipment and community improvements. 

These investments are helping local communities close to the project see practical benefits as the region’s electricity network is upgraded.   

Martin McGready, Project Director for Yorkshire GREEN, said:  

Since we entered the main phase of construction, the project has progressed - from busy substation sites to activity across our overhead line network. We would like to thank everyone who lives and works near to Yorkshire GREEN for their patience while we deliver this upgrade to the region’s electricity network. We know that construction activities can be disruptive and are grateful for the continued support as we work to deliver cleaner, home-grown energy to homes, businesses and public services across Yorkshire and beyond.

Construction is continuing at pace in 2026. Work is ongoing at the Overton and Monk Fryston substations, while minor upgrade works at Osbaldwick Substation are expected to be completed during the summer. 

Across the route, the installation of new pylons and overhead lines is progressing between Shipton and Overton, with this section due to be completed later this year before connection into the new Overton Substation. Between Overton and Moor Monkton, work is continuing to build new infrastructure, dismantle old lines and begin the removal of temporary pylons. 

Further north, between Monk Fryston and Lumby, construction of new permanent pylons and overhead lines is continuing alongside the removal of older infrastructure around the Monk Fryston Substation site. 

As major works are completed, reinstatement activity is now beginning, helping to restore land along the route. National Grid will also carry out work to leave the local environment and wildlife habitat in a 10% better condition than they were found. The new infrastructure will start to become operational in 2027, with all works and reinstatement anticipated to be completed in 2028.