Balfour Beatty has been awarded a contract by National Grid to deliver the first phase of the Birkhill Wood 400 kV substation in East Yorkshire, England.
The contract has been awarded through National Grid’s ’s £8 billion 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 and to support the UK’s clean energy transition.
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.
Once complete, the Birkhill Wood 400 kV substation will play a critical role in strengthening the UK's electricity network, facilitating the connection of offshore wind generation from three planned North Sea wind farms, enough renewable energy to power approximately 4 million homes.
Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission & Distribution 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 around 200 people, including apprentice and graduate roles, helping develop the skills needed to build the UK's next generation of energy infrastructure.
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