National Grid has selected 13 contractors to deliver a major programme of substation construction and upgrades under a new dynamic market framework. The framework, which is now live and open-ended, allows additional firms to join over time, although the initial cohort is well positioned to secure early work from what is expected to be one of the UK’s largest upcoming pipelines of substation projects.
Laing O’Rourke emerged as the most prominent appointee, securing positions across all three workstreams: EPC delivery, mechanical and electrical installation, and major civils. In the top-tier EPC lot—covering turnkey substation construction projects typically valued at more than £20m on live 400kV sites—the selected contractors are BAM Nuttall, Costain, Laing O’Rourke, Siemens Energy and Skanska.
The M&E installation workstream, which focuses on smaller-scale upgrades and extensions, includes Kirby Group Engineering, Laing O’Rourke, Morson Projects, OCU Utility Services and Siemens Energy. These firms will undertake installation and upgrade works across existing substation assets as part of ongoing network improvements.
For major civils packages valued above £5m, nine contractors have been appointed. Alongside BAM Nuttall, Costain, Galliford Try, Laing O’Rourke and Skanska, the list includes Alpha Construction, Amalgamated Construction, Trant Engineering and Tudorborne.
The dynamic framework was first outlined earlier this year as part of National Grid’s efforts to streamline procurement and accelerate delivery of critical energy infrastructure. It will be used across group businesses including National Grid Electricity Transmission and National Grid Electricity Distribution, with contractors competing for call-off projects as they are released to the market.
