Work begins plugging grid into latest wind farms
Balfour Beatty has been awarded a contract by National Grid to deliver the first phase of the Birkhill Wood 400kV substation in East Yorkshire.
The contract was awarded through National Grid’s ’s £8bn Electricity Transmission Partnership. Balfour Beatty was appointed to the framework as the delivery partner for North East of England in 2025, to accelerate the delivery of vital substation infrastructure across England and Wales.
Once complete, the Birkhill Wood 400kV substation will facilitate the connection of offshore wind generation from three planned North Sea wind farms.
Lack of power connections is a major hurdle standing in the way of development across the country, felt especially strongly in the Yorkshire industrial market. [LINK https://www.placeyorkshire.co.uk/yorkshire-industrial-logistics-summary-gallery/
As part of the contract, Balfour Beatty will undertake Early Contractor Involvement activities including the development of the detailed design and enabling works to prepare the site ahead of main works commencing next year.
Tony Wilson, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s power transmission business, said: “Upgrading the UK’s electricity network is essential to connecting more renewable energy and meeting future demand for secure, low-carbon power.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with National Grid, drawing on our extensive experience and expertise to deliver the Early Contractor Involvement and enabling works that will help bring this nationally significant project forward.”
Enabling works are now underway, with main construction expected to commence in 2027. At peak, the overall project is expected to employ 200 people, including apprentice and graduate roles.
