Yorkshire GREEN on target
The Yorkshire GREEN energy upgrade project, part of the UK’s largest overhaul of its electricity network in a generation, is advancing steadily, with 28 new permanent pylons already installed and 25 kilometres of overhead lines in place.
Image: Murphy
The scheme forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, a national programme boosting electricity capacity to support the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.
Martin McGready, project director for Yorkshire GREEN, said:
"Since we entered the main phase of construction, the project has progressed from busy substation sites to activity across our overhead line network.
"We would like to thank everyone who lives and works near to Yorkshire GREEN for their patience while we deliver this upgrade to the region’s electricity network.
"We know that construction activities can be disruptive and are grateful for the continued support as we work to deliver cleaner, home-grown energy to homes, businesses and public services across Yorkshire and beyond."
Construction began in January 2025, and work is currently underway to deliver new substations at Overton and Monk Fryston.
Image: National Grid
Eight 200-tonne supergrid transformers have also been successfully delivered and installed.
National Grid said the project is designed to benefit host communities by creating skilled job opportunities, supporting contractors, and offering new business prospects across Yorkshire.
Nearly £500,000 has also been awarded to community schemes in the region.
Funding has supported new play facilities, outdoor fitness equipment, and other community improvements in East Riding and North Yorkshire.
Although progress has been steady, National Grid said it recognises the temporary impact on residents and is grateful for their ongoing understanding.
This summer, minor upgrade works at Osbaldwick Substation are expected to reach completion.
Pylon and overhead line installation between Shipton and Overton is progressing, with work due to finish later this year ahead of connection into the new Overton substation.
In the area between Overton and Moor Monkton, construction crews are building new infrastructure, dismantling old lines, and beginning the removal of temporary pylons.
Image: National Grid
Further north, activity continues between Monk Fryston and Lumby, where new permanent pylons and overhead lines are being installed alongside the removal of older infrastructure around the Monk Fryston Substation site.
Reinstatement works have now begun on sections where major construction is finished, with National Grid pledging to leave the local environment and wildlife habitat in a 10% better condition than they were found.
The new infrastructure is expected to become operational in 2027, with all remaining works and land reinstatement due for completion in 2028.
In a related move, National Grid has appointed Escrick Park Estate to support the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for Yorkshire GREEN, helping to kick-start Escrick Park’s Skipwith Connected initiative through the purchase of approximately 300 biodiversity units. The estate has a track record of providing landscape scale habitat management.
Skipwith Connected is a landscape-scale nature recovery project between York and Selby, approximately 12 miles from the Yorkshire GREEN project. It aims to reconnect nationally and internationally designated wildlife habitats, with plans focused on habitat restoration, stronger ecological connections and long-term stewardship.
Creation of 160 hectares of new habitats, will add to the existing Skipwith Common SSSI, together creating just over 420 hectares of species rich habitat.
This will be achieved with respect to public access and engaging with local communities.