The National Grid has launched a massive electricity project set to enable five data centres with significant works where it runs by Watford.

Its North West London Upgrade (NWLU) project is designed to boost the transmission network and improve resiliency between Sundon in Bedfordshire and London.

Within Hertfordshire, Laing O’Rourke has been appointed to deliver a new 132 kilovolt Letchmore Heath substation and extensions to the existing 400 kilovolt Elstree substation to connect the new data centres which are equivalent to a gigawatt of electricity demand.

Letchmore Heath substation CGI (Image: National Grid)

National Grid project director Joe Senior said: “The NWLU is a nationally significant investment that will strengthen the electricity network, unlock new connections, support regional economic growth and help keep long term energy costs down for consumers.

“Working closely with our delivery partners and supply chain, we’re bringing together substations, cables and tunnels, and overhead line reinforcement in a single programme to deliver the infrastructure needed to power future homes, businesses and digital industries as electricity demand rises.”

Project map (Image: National Grid)

In line with government guidance, communities near the new Letchmore Heath substation will be eligible for up to £530,000 to be spent on projects that improve the “social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community”.  Engagement with local stakeholders on the community fund is set to begin “in due course”.

As the network runs down to St John’s Wood, the NWLU will bring 60 kilometres of new cable and more than 200 kilometres of upgraded overhead line. Further works including reinforcing another substation, tunnel upgrades, and additional cable circuit will be carried out within the capital.

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Laing O’Rourke Europe hub managing director Peter Lyons said: “This work builds on Laing O’Rourke’s partnership with National Grid, having been appointed as construction partner to The Great Grid Upgrade, Wimbledon Asset Replacement, and Margam and Port Talbot substations.

“We will be utilising our digital tools to enable our teams to deliver safely and efficiently on site.

“These critical upgrades are just part of our ongoing work with National Grid to provide more secure energy for the UK.”

National Grid says the project will cut energy bills for customers once complete by reducing constraint costs.