Major milestone as Yorkshire clean energy upgrade project begins construction
- Enabling work starts on National Grid’s £400 million Yorkshire GREEN project, helping to deliver energy security
- The project will upgrade and reinforce Britain’s high-voltage electricity network to allow more clean, green energy to get from where it’s generated to where it’s needed by homes and businesses in Yorkshire and beyond
- Yorkshire GREEN is part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the grid across England and Wales in generations
National Grid is starting work on the £400 million Yorkshire Green Energy Enablement project (known as Yorkshire GREEN).
The project will upgrade existing infrastructure in North Yorkshire and build a new 10km electricity overhead line along with a short section of underground cables, sealing end compounds and two new substations.
Morrison Energy Services and Murphy have been appointed as the contractors to carry out the works. Enabling works will begin at Overton and Monk Fryston substations, as well as Tadcaster Tee, Shipton Tee and Moor Monkton, with main construction beginning in early 2025. The anticipated date of the new infrastructure being operational is 2027, with final works and reinstatement anticipated to be completed by the end of 2028.
Once completed, Yorkshire GREEN will help to connect more clean energy and help deliver energy security, future proofing the electricity grid.
National Grid is committed to ensuring that communities that host infrastructure feel a positive impact from the projects being delivered. A Community Grant Programme is available for charities and not for profit organisations that deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered on Yorkshire GREEN, achieved through design enhancements that can deliver a range of benefits to people and biodiversity. This will include activities such as woodland restoration and enhancement, management of species and improving footpath access.
Throughout Yorkshire GREEN’s construction, work will continue with communities, stakeholders and regional partners to ensure the project delivers meaningful legacy benefits in the local community and wider region.
Martin McGready, Project Director at National Grid, said: “We’re delighted Yorkshire GREEN is starting construction, as one of 17 Great Grid Upgrade projects that will update the grid to boost our energy security and help lower energy bills over the long-term.
“In line with our commitment to achieve carbon neutral construction by 2026, we will ensure that Yorkshire GREEN has the lowest possible carbon footprint upon completion.
“We’re confident the Yorkshire GREEN project will deliver lasting benefits, and we’re eager to collaborate with our community partners to make this vision a reality.”
Yorkshire GREEN is part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the grid across England and Wales in generations. The 17 major infrastructure projects will update the grid network boosting energy security, affordability and helping England and Wales become more self-sufficient. The Great Grid Upgrade projects will enable us to carry more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated – like out in the North Sea by wind turbines – to where it is needed.
