In a landmark development, a joint venture between AECOM and Arup has secured a pivotal role as the design and consenting service partner for National Grid's ambitious Great Grid Partnership. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the energy landscape of England and Wales by 2030, ushering in a new era of clean energy accessibility for homes and businesses across the nation.
Underpinning a monumental £9 billion supply chain framework, the partnership signifies a strategic commitment to not only connect renewable energy sources to the grid but also to bolster infrastructure projects well into the future. Embarking on what is touted as the most extensive grid modernization endeavor in recent history, the initiative encompasses nine projects within the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework, promising to outstrip the electricity infrastructure development of the past three decades by a staggering fivefold.
At the heart of this transformative journey lies the enhancement of infrastructure crucial for tapping into renewable energy reservoirs, including wind farms situated in the bountiful expanse of the North Sea. By fortifying the backbone of the UK's power system, this endeavor will catalyze the transition towards a carbon-neutral future, laying the groundwork for reduced energy costs and diminished reliance on fossil fuels.
Kate Hall, enterprise director for the AECOM Arup joint venture, articulated the significance of their collective expertise, stating, “Our joint expertise in design, engineering, environmental assessments, and stakeholder engagement means we have a critical role to play delivering infrastructure that facilitates the UK's transition to net zero, enables a move away from fossil fuels and tackles climate change.”
Central to the JV's responsibilities is the facilitation of consents for individual schemes within the program, navigated through Development Consent Orders (DCOs). These orders entail meticulous technical and environmental design considerations, coupled with extensive stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure alignment with community interests and environmental sustainability objectives.
With a resolute commitment to collaborative endeavor, the AECOM Arup joint venture is poised to spearhead the realization of The Great Grid Upgrade, working in tandem with National Grid, enterprise partners, and communities across England and Wales to shape a future powered by sustainable energy solutions.
