Balfour Beatty has secured a significant £363m contract with National Grid to bolster the electricity network in East Anglia.
- This project, known as the Bramford to Twinstead reinforcement, involves installing a new 400 kilovolt overhead line.
- Additionally, 11km of underground cable will be laid through sensitive landscapes like Dedham Vale and Stour Valley.
- Main construction will commence in 2025, with completion aimed for 2028, employing over 200 individuals at its peak.
- This reinforcement project forms part of National Grid’s RIIO-2 framework, underlining Balfour Beatty’s role in energy transition efforts.
Balfour Beatty has signed a substantial £363m contract with National Grid, marking a pivotal role in enhancing the electricity network in East Anglia. The contract involves the Bramford to Twinstead reinforcement project, intended to significantly upgrade the region’s power infrastructure.
Central to this endeavour is the installation of a new 400 kilovolt overhead line stretching 18 kilometres between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead in Essex. This installation will replace the existing high voltage network, aiming to improve electricity transmission capabilities in the area.
Furthermore, the project necessitates the installation of 11 kilometres of underground cable, traversing through areas recognised for their outstanding natural beauty, specifically the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley. This aspect of the project demands careful consideration and execution to maintain the environmental integrity of these protected landscapes.
The contract was awarded through National Grid’s RIIO-2 framework, a strategic initiative that supports projects aligned with regulatory incentives and outputs for energy transition. Such initiatives underscore the commitment to meeting energy security and net zero objectives.
The main construction phase is anticipated to begin in the first half of 2025, with project completion targeted for 2028. During peak construction, it is projected that more than 200 personnel will be employed, reflecting Balfour Beatty’s significant investment in human resources to ensure the project’s success.
Leo Quinn, Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, highlighted the company’s prowess in handling complex energy projects, stating, “This award demonstrates the momentum we are capturing in the energy security and transition market. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, we have a long and proud history of working with National Grid.”
This contract underscores Balfour Beatty’s pivotal role in advancing the energy infrastructure within the UK.
