National Grid joins Northern Powerhouse Partnership
The collaboration aims to accelerate clean-energy investment, boost northern supply chains, and create skilled jobs across the region.
Image for illustrative purposes
UK: National Grid has joined the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), strengthening its commitment to expanding clean-energy infrastructure, developing local skills, and supporting economic growth across the North of England. The move comes as part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the company’s wide-ranging investment programme designed to connect more affordable, home-grown renewable power to the national network.
The announcement was marked at the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) converter station visitor centre in Wren Hall, recently opened by Keir Mather MP. The event brought together apprentices, industry leaders and regional partners, highlighting the collaboration behind the upgrade programme.
National Grid’s major projects in the North include Eastern Green Link 1 and 2, Yorkshire Green, and proposed developments such as the Cross Border Connection and North Humber to High Marnham. Collectively, the company’s network investment is expected to support up to 55,000 jobs across the UK by 2030, with a significant share in northern communities.
The economic impact is already visible. On EGL2 alone, construction partner BAM is creating around 200 roles, including apprenticeships and specialist engineering jobs. ‘Meet the buyer’ events for EGL1 and EGL2 have helped hundreds of northern SMEs access new opportunities in civil works, cabling, transport, environmental services and technical design. METLEN, delivering the EGL1 converter station, has so far awarded contracts worth around $225,000 (£170,000) to small and medium enterprises.
National Grid is also upgrading Grid Supply Points and replacing overhead line crossings, such as the River Tyne, with modern cable tunnel solutions to support regional transport, industry and long-term growth.
By joining the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, National Grid aims to deepen cooperation with local leaders and ensure that investment in clean-energy infrastructure translates into lasting jobs, stronger supply chains and wider community benefits.
Source: National Grid
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