National Grid Secures Key Industry Partners to Accelerate Clean Energy Infrastructure and Support Thousands of UK Jobs

National Grid Secures Key Industry Partners to Accelerate Clean Energy Infrastructure and Support Thousands of UK Jobs
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(IN BRIEF) National Grid has taken a significant step in its Great Grid Upgrade programme by awarding major contracts for Sea Link, a proposed 140-km subsea electricity connection between Kent and Suffolk designed to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy. Siemens Energy will construct converter stations, while Sumitomo Electric will supply the high-voltage cable—a milestone that also signals the return of high-voltage DC cable manufacturing to the UK following a £350 million investment at the Port of Nigg. The Great Grid Upgrade is expected to support up to 55,000 jobs as it strengthens domestic supply chains, builds long-term manufacturing capacity, and expands skills development, including apprenticeships delivered through Siemens Energy. Chambers of Commerce across the southeast and East Anglia are working with National Grid to maximise local economic benefits. National Grid emphasised that while the contract awards demonstrate progress, they do not affect the ongoing Planning Inspectorate review of the Sea Link project. Leaders from National Grid, Siemens Energy, Sumitomo Electric, and government highlighted the project’s importance for economic growth, energy security, and the UK’s transition to cleaner, home-grown power.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 11-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — National Grid has advanced its nationwide infrastructure transformation with the signing of two major contracts for Sea Link, a proposed 140-kilometre subsea electricity connection designed to move cleaner, more resilient power between Kent and Suffolk. As part of a competitive tender process, Siemens Energy has been selected to construct the project’s converter stations, while Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. will deliver the high-voltage cable system that forms the backbone of the link.

These partnerships represent a key milestone within The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity transmission system in generations. Beyond modernising how the country is powered, the programme is accelerating growth in UK manufacturing, strengthening domestic supply chains, and creating a skilled workforce equipped to support future energy needs. National Grid expects that The Great Grid Upgrade could enable up to 55,000 jobs across engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, and related industries, helping build the industrial capacity needed as national energy demand is set to double in the coming years.

For Sumitomo Electric, the project marks a significant return of high-voltage direct current cable manufacturing to the UK for the first time in more than two decades. The company is investing £350 million in a new facility at the Port of Nigg in Scotland, generating around 150 skilled roles and boosting local supply chain activity while re-establishing long-term cable manufacturing capability on British soil.

National Grid emphasised that benefits will extend to local communities as well. Through active collaboration with Chambers of Commerce across Kent, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, the company is helping to expand regional supply chains and create new training and skills pathways throughout southern and eastern England.

These national and local partnerships reinforce National Grid’s strategy to build a stronger UK supply chain, deepen the country’s manufacturing base, and support the skilled workforce essential for a cleaner, more secure, home-grown energy system. However, the announcement of contract awards for Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric does not alter the planning consent process; Sea Link’s application remains under detailed examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

Carl Trowell, President of Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, said:
“The Great Grid Upgrade is more than an energy programme—it is one of the UK’s most powerful drivers of economic growth. By strengthening supply chains, investing in skills, and working with world-class partners such as Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric, we are supporting tens of thousands of quality jobs and building the long-term manufacturing capability the UK needs.”

Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I, added:
“We welcomed 140 new apprentices across the UK this autumn, bringing our total to 450 in early-career programmes. Having begun my own career as an apprentice, I believe there has never been a more exciting time to join the energy sector. The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest modernisation of the UK transmission network in decades, and we need passionate people to make it happen.”

Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director of Sumitomo Electric, said:
“Sea Link is a significant milestone for our UK investment and our contribution to the country’s Net Zero ambitions. Our new cable manufacturing facility will play a central role in The Great Grid Upgrade, and we look forward to working closely with National Grid, Siemens Energy, and marine contractor VanOord to ensure successful delivery.”

Energy Minister Michael Shanks commented:
“Upgrading our electricity grid is essential for keeping the lights on and strengthening energy security. This investment is driving job creation, supporting local supply chains, and delivering growth across communities. This is the clean energy mission in action.”

Tudor Price, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We understand residents’ concerns about the Sea Link project, but grid upgrades are vital for supporting long-term economic needs across East Kent and the wider region. They create opportunities for growth and improve living standards for local communities.”

A spokesperson for the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce added:
“Our recent discussion with National Grid highlighted a strong pipeline of supply chain opportunities for local businesses. We look forward to working with them to minimise community impacts while maximising benefits for both residents and businesses.”

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SOURCE: National Grid