ABOUT THE UPGRADE
THE TRANSFORMATION OF BRITAIN'S ELECTRICITY GRID REPRESENTS A CRUCIAL NATIONAL INVESTMENT IN OUR ENERGY FUTURE.
Upgrading the grid will strengthen our infrastructure, boost energy independence, create thousands of jobs, and cement the UK's position as a clean energy leader—delivering reliable, affordable power for generations to come.
Why upgrade the grid?
Britain's path to energy self-sufficiency
Right now, we import expensive fossil fuels to generate much of our electricity. But it doesn't have to be this way. Britain has abundant homegrown renewable energy just waiting to be harnessed. By upgrading our grid and connecting to it, we can make our country more self-sufficient and even boost our energy security for generations to come.
A grid for the future
Over time, our electricity needs have changed. The average UK home now has 13 electrical devices (at least 10 used daily). Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream and data centre usage is set to increase fourfold by 2030. With total electricity demand set to double by 2050, we need a grid that's ready to meet the demands of our electric future.
82%
Find renewables cheeper
Technological advances have made solar and wind the cheapest sources of new electricity in 82% of the world. Here in Britain, they generate electricity at less than half the cost of gas power.
£83.1bn
Economic boost
The net zero transition isn't just good for the planet—it's powering economic growth and creating prosperity across sectors and regions.
2nd
Largest offshore wind fleet
Britain has the world's second-largest national offshore wind capacity, with numerous wind farms around our coastline that continue to grow year after year.
Connecting to more affordable sources of energy
Wind and solar power are increasingly becoming the most affordable energy sources available across Britain. By upgrading our grid, we can harness more of these affordable sources of homegrown energy from across the country. It also reduces our reliance on imported fossil fuels, which can expose the UK to volatile international prices that can spike unexpectedly.
Powering jobs and economic growth
Upgrading our grid isn't just about keeping the lights on. The net zero economy has become a powerhouse of job support and economic expansion. This national project will support tens of thousands of jobs across the country. Not just temporary positions, but long-term careers, from apprenticeships to advanced engineering roles.
Leading the world in clean energy
Britain is already a global leader in clean energy, with the 2nd largest offshore wind fleet in the world. What's more, we're installing the 3rd largest amount of new offshore wind capacity globally.
To maintain our leadership and capitalise on renewables, we need a grid that can match our ambition – to secure Britain as a global clean energy pioneer and create a sustainable legacy for the future.
Got questions?
Wondering how Britain's grid upgrade works, why we need pylons, or how this benefits our energy future? Find answers to the most common questions about the grid upgrade project and what it means for communities across the country.