UK-based infrastructure company Balfour Beatty has secured a \u00a3121m ($160m) contract from National Grid to deliver an extension for the Bramford 400kV substation in Suffolk as part of the wider Bramford to Twinstead project.<\/p>\n
National Grid awarded the four-year contract through its EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) Framework. This contract is a component of the Great Grid Upgrade, which aims to strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure in the region.<\/p>\n
Balfour Beatty will design and install the extension, which will enable the connection of four additional circuits.<\/p>\n
These include two new grid supply points and two new shunt reactors, intended to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the local electricity network.<\/p>\n
The works will also incorporate new gantry structures to support overhead line connections, and the design, supply and installation of systems for monitoring, controlling and safeguarding the network.<\/p>\n
Upon completion, the extended substation is expected to support an increase in transmission capacity and improve resilience across the East Anglia network, contributing to the shift towards a low-carbon energy system.<\/p>\n
Balfour Beatty Power Transmission & Distribution business managing director Tony Wilson said: \u201cThis latest award builds on our continued work across East Anglia to strengthen and modernise the UK\u2019s electricity network infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur appointment reflects the expertise of our teams, our strong delivery track record and our capability to successfully deliver complex substation projects. We look forward to working closely with National Grid as we support increased network capacity and resilience for the communities and businesses that rely on this vital infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Work on the Bramford substation extension has already started, with completion expected in 2030.<\/p>\n
Around 150 people, including apprentices and graduates, will be employed at peak times during the project.<\/p>\n
The Bramford to Twinstead scheme involves constructing approximately 29km of double circuit grid network, including around 18km of new overhead lines and 11km of underground cabling.<\/p>\n
In August 2025, National Grid launched a new framework<\/a> designed to strengthen its work with suppliers on substation infrastructure projects in England and Wales.<\/p>\n