Image courtesy SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks has awarded supply chain contracts as part of a £1.4 billion ($1.7 billion) commitment to deliver critical onshore transmission projects across central and southern Scotland.
The contract is part of a wider £5.4 billion ($6.4 billion) supplier investment programme announced by the company that will run over the next decade.
The programme aims to upgrade the transmission grid and unlock capacity for new homes, businesses, and clean energy projects in the UK, move power around the country more efficiently, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and boost energy security.
SP Energy Networks wants to build long-term partnerships with UK businesses to fulfil its ambition to rewire the networks.
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Commenting on the announcement was Nicola Connelly, CEO SP Energy Networks: “These strategic partnerships give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves – growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK.”
Connelly called the contracts a “defining moment for our energy future.
“These contracts are not just about infrastructure—they’re about enabling a cleaner, greener Britain. We’re proud to be leading the charge in helping deliver the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition.”
The contracts cover a wide range of critical grid infrastructure, including:
- New and upgraded high-voltage substations
- Overhead line construction
- Design, engineering, construction, and electrical works
The strategic partnerships will initially run for five years, with the option to extend to 10, providing long-term certainty for suppliers and enabling them to invest in skills, technology, and innovation, with 17 of the 19 suppliers based in the UK.
Said UK energy minister, Michael Shanks: “These SP Energy Networks partnerships take us a step closer to reaching clean power by 2030, in modernising the country’s outdated network to get more of clean power generated in Scotland to homes and businesses across the country.
“This is the clean power transition in action – investing in British supply chains that will bring skilled jobs and economic growth to communities in Scotland and beyond.”
Contracts
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is the sole contractor for both substation and overhead lines on the Denny to Wishaw project. There will be a joint office opening at Eurocentral in the UK’s Autumn.
Said Simon Smith, managing director, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure: “We’re proud to support the UK energy network’s biggest upgrade in a generation, and to be part of SP Energy Networks’ Delivery Charter.”
Smith cited projects such as the Denny to Wishaw Network Optimisation (DWNO), which will allow an additional 1,000MW of green energy to flow north-to-south through Scotland’s central belt.
“In upgrading the transmission network, we will be able to bring skills and employment to the central belt, and leave a lasting legacy in the local communities.”
Preferred partners to the strategic agreement for transmission overhead line works include:
- Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Limited
- Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios SA
- Aureos Energy Limited
- Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
- M Group Energy (Infrastructure) Limited
- Painhas S.A.
- Power Lines, Pipes and Cables Limited
- Wood Transmission And Distribution Limited
Preferred partners to the strategic agreement for substation works include:
- Adman Civil Projects Limited
- Amalgamated Construction Ltd
- Aureos Energy Limited
- George Leslie Limited
- I. & H. Brown Limited
- Kirby Group Engineering (UK) Limited
- Linxon UK Ltd
- Luddon Construction Limited
- M Group Energy (Infrastructure) Limited
- Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
- Northstone (NI) Limited
- Painhas S.A.
- R.J. McLeod (Contractors) Limited
- Siemens Energy Limited
- UK Grid Solutions Limited
The announcement follows ScottishPower’s commitment to double its UK investment to £24 billion by 2028, with two-thirds allocated to electricity networks.
SP Energy Networks will soon submit its five-year business plan for 2026–2031 to Ofgem, reinforcing its role in delivering the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition.
