The Constructing Excellence Major Projects Group recently hosted an engaging session with Malcolm Lewis, Cost Commercial Director at National Grid, to delve into one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes: The Great Grid Upgrade.
What is the Great Grid Upgrade?
The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. National Grid’s infrastructure projects across England and Wales are helping to connect more affordable sources of home-grown and renewable energy to homes and businesses. More information can be found on the National Grid website.
The Great Grid Partnership
Malcolm explained the distinction between the Great Grid Upgrade and the Great Grid Partnership (GGP). While the upgrade refers to the physical transformation of the grid, the GGP is the delivery model underpinning this transformation. The Great Grid Partnership has a unique collaborative structure:
- Client at the core
- Integrator role
- Seven key partners
- Eco system- the wider supply chain
This approach fosters integration, collaboration, and efficiency across major projects within the National Grid’s Strategic Infrastructure portfolio.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Grid Upgrade is vital for achieving energy resilience.
- Collaboration through the Great Grid Partnership ensures efficient delivery of complex projects.
- The programme demonstrates how major projects can drive systemic change in infrastructure delivery.
This session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in delivering projects of national significance.
