AECOM and Arup JV to Lead Design for UK's Great Grid Upgrade

AECOM and Arup JV to Drive UK's Great Grid Upgrade

In a significant move towards bolstering the UK's energy infrastructure, AECOM, a leading global infrastructure consulting firm, has announced that its joint venture with Arup has been appointed as a design and consenting service partner for the UK National Grid’s Great Grid Partnership. This initiative aims to connect clean energy to homes and businesses across England and Wales by 2030, forming a pivotal part of the UK's energy transition.

Colin Wood, chief executive of AECOM’s Europe and India region, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We’re excited to work with National Grid and our partners to shape the energy transition in England and Wales through the delivery of modern, stable, and flexible grid infrastructure.” He highlighted that AECOM’s extensive global expertise in grid design positions the team to meet the ambitious objectives of National Grid and address the unprecedented demand for grid improvements in the region.

The Great Grid Upgrade is a massive undertaking, involving nine projects within the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework. This program will enhance the UK's electricity infrastructure fivefold over the next six years, compared to the past 30 years. It will support the integration of planned renewable energy facilities, including wind farms in the North Sea, thereby advancing the UK’s transition to net zero. This shift is expected to lead to cheaper energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Frank Sweet, chief executive of AECOM’s global Environment business, emphasized the company's leadership in environmental and sustainability consulting: “This latest program for National Grid bolsters our position as a trusted advisor for our many long-term clients as they lead the shift to more sustainable energy sources.”

The joint venture’s responsibilities will include obtaining consents for individual schemes within the program through Development Consent Orders (DCOs), which encompass technical and environmental design and stakeholder engagement.

This announcement marks a significant stride forward in the UK's journey towards a sustainable energy future. The Great Grid Upgrade, as spearheaded by AECOM and Arup, is not just an infrastructure project; it's a transformative initiative that will redefine how energy is distributed and consumed across England and Wales.

The ambitious scale of this project, aiming to enhance the UK's electricity infrastructure fivefold within six years, is both impressive and necessary. The integration of renewable energy sources, particularly from wind farms in the North Sea, underscores the importance of investing in clean energy to meet our net zero targets. This initiative promises not only to provide cheaper energy but also to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is crucial for environmental sustainability.

The expertise and commitment shown by AECOM and Arup in this venture highlight their pivotal role in driving forward the UK's energy transition. Their global experience in grid design and environmental consulting will undoubtedly contribute to the successful execution of this ambitious program. The focus on obtaining Development Consent Orders (DCOs) through comprehensive technical, environmental, and stakeholder engagement ensures that the project will be carried out with due diligence and consideration for all involved parties.

In conclusion, the Great Grid Upgrade is a beacon of progress in the UK's energy sector. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development and a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions. As we move towards 2030, projects like this will be instrumental in shaping a greener, more resilient energy future for the UK.