Equans appointed to deliver infrastructure support services on Yorkshire GREEN

Equans has secured a contract to deliver a comprehensive suite of infrastructure support services on the Yorkshire GREEN project, part of National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade Programme – the largest overhaul of electricity transmission networks across England and Wales in generations. 

The Great Grid Upgrade comprises of major infrastructure projects - the Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement (GREEN) project involves the upgrade and reinforcement of the High Voltage electricity network in Yorkshire to improve the transfer of clean energy across the country. The project will also help the UK to meet its clean energy and energy security ambitions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term.

As part of the scheme, Murphy was appointed to design and build two 400/275kV substations near Leeds and York. As a trusted partner, Equans will support the programme through its specialist infrastructure services, providing expertise in ecology, archaeology, BREEAM, and arboriculture. Central to this offer is Equans’ digital monitoring capability; using advanced data management and reporting to track noise, vibration, and air quality, the team will ensure continuous environmental compliance throughout the civils and construction phases.

“The Great Grid Upgrade is a transformative programme, which we are proud to be playing a part in. As the UK moves away from fossil fuels and puts greater emphasis and investment in clean energy, smart infrastructure and climate resilience strategies will play a pivotal role in the success of these upgrades. Our advanced technology and environmental consulting services ensures buildings and infrastructures are better prepared to withstand the challenges of climate change and the dynamic nature of temporary works, along with the remote monitoring of noise, vibration, air quality and other technical parameters.” said Siddharth Grover, Strategy and Growth Director, Equans UK & Ireland.

He went on: “ It’s fantastic that we are now able to offer our infrastructure services more widely and support different regions of the UK to transfer to clean energy. This reflects Equans commitment to supporting the energy transition, applying our expertise to help create a more sustainable and resilient future.” 

Mark Conway, Operations Director, Murphy said: “We’re proud to be working alongside Equans on the Yorkshire GREEN project. Their team has been incredibly responsive and proactive throughout, consistently bringing in experts who understand the complexities of this programme. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and their collaborative approach is helping us deliver a high-quality, environmentally responsible solution for National Grid.”

In position: the new supergrid transformer at Overton substation

Equans’ relationship has also now extended to other National Grid schemes, with the company also involved on the North London Bundles Overhead Lines programme and 4ZB North Wales.

Additionally, Equans is involved in SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) schemes such as Kintore to Hurlie Overhead Line Construction in Aberdeenshire, as part of the SSE Pathway to 2030 programme. The SSE Pathway programme replicates similar ambitions in Scotland, to what National Grid have in England and Wales.

Yorkshire GREEN is the first scheme to commence within the Great Grid Upgrade and work on the project is expected to last three years.