British multinational electricity and gas utility company National Grid has initiated a £59bn ($76.3bn) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) supply chain framework to enhance energy infrastructure in the UK.
Introduced in 2023, the HVDC supply chain framework is designed to build long-term, strategic contractual partnerships and ensure the availability of essential equipment for both ongoing and upcoming projects.
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The framework consists of two key agreements to carry out the necessary work and provide the equipment required for key energy projects in the UK.
£21.3bn has been awarded to six HVDC cable suppliers, and £24.6bn to four HVDC converter suppliers. Both frameworks include existing and anticipated projects.
The HVDC cable suppliers are Hellenic & Jan De Nul Consortium, LS Cable & System, NKT Cables, Prysmian Group, Sumitomo Electric and Taihan Cable & Solution.
The HVDC converter systems framework has been granted to GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens Energy.
Contracts have been awarded for an initial five-year term to 2029, with an option to extend for an additional three years.
Suppliers on the framework will assist in delivering early projects such as Eastern Green Link 4, Sealink, Lionlink and other similar-scale initiatives.
Providing essential infrastructure to facilitate the energy transition will enhance supply security, stimulate economic growth and generate thousands of new jobs.
National Grid strategic infrastructure president Carl Trowell stated: “This is another exciting milestone in delivering the greatest overhaul of the grid in a generation – the Great Grid Upgrade.
“We are committed to building the infrastructure that will enable our country’s current and future energy needs, at pace.
“This framework allows us to harness National Grid’s scale to access global supply chains, drive efficiencies, foster innovative technologies and contribute to the UK’s economic prosperity.”
In May 2024, National Grid revealed a £60bn investment plan designed to transform its networks by 2028.
