ScottishPower, which is part of the Iberdrola Group, has unveiled £5.4bn worth of contract opportunities as it reveals its next phase of electricity network investment. This boost for the supply chain from its SP Energy Networks business is the company’s biggest issued contract opportunity ever and will see major investment in green energy infrastructure and ‘green’ jobs. Electricity demand is forecast to double in the next 10 years, and the International Energy Agency estimates that the UK needs more than 600 000km of new or upgraded electricity lines to meet its needs.
ScottishPower’s grid business, SP Energy Networks, is now encouraging companies with the skills and experience to bid for contracts to design, develop and upgrade new and existing strategic transmission infrastructure.
This will include new high voltage substations, overhead line construction as well as design, engineering, construction, and electrical works.
Vicky Kelsall, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “This is one of the most significant infrastructure roll outs to upgrade the grid to support the electricification of the wider economy. We’ve got the plans, and we’ve got the financial capital to invest, and the UK supply chain stands ready to benefit to the tune of billions.”
The £5.4bn worth of contracts will cover the next 10 years and includes transmission projects across central and southern Scotland. It will help move more green energy across the country, connecting 80-85 GW of renewable energy to the GB transmission system and reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.
In November, the UK Government announced plans to halve the time it takes to build high voltage power lines and cut the time it takes to connect to the grid. Its package of measures aims to support economic growth and cement the UK as one of the most attractive countries in the world for renewables investment.
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