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£7.4bn framework to support Scotland’s transmission network expansion

Jun, 05, 2026
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United Kingdom
Authored by: TheCivilEngineer.org

*Scottish transmission network upgrade opens major contractor opportunities. Source: insight Safer Highways*

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission has launched a major £7.4bn infrastructure framework to support the expansion and reinforcement of Scotland’s electricity transmission network. The programme will provide long-term delivery capacity for civil engineering, building, overhead line and underground cable works as the country accelerates investment in grid infrastructure.

The framework is expected to run for up to eight years and will support projects linked to network investment, asset renewal, customer connections and the transition to net zero. It reflects the scale of investment required to connect new generation, improve grid resilience and support clean-power targets across Scotland’s transmission network.

The framework is structured across six lots, covering a wide range of construction and engineering activities. Lower-value civil engineering works will include site clearance, earthworks, substation preparation, access roads, drainage systems, duct installation, fencing and environmental reinstatement. These works are expected to include standalone or enabling works with defined scopes and repeatable delivery characteristics.

Major civil engineering works will include larger and more technically demanding schemes. These may involve substation platforms, reinforced foundations, bridge works, retaining structures, culverts, flood mitigation measures and resilience upgrades to existing transmission assets. Such works will require coordination between geotechnical, civil, structural and electrical disciplines.

A separate buildings and infrastructure lot will cover operational facilities such as offices, welfare buildings, storage facilities, training centres and asset refurbishment works. This package is also expected to include design coordination, building services, environmental requirements and sustainability considerations.

The remaining lots focus on overhead transmission lines and underground cable systems. Pole-based overhead line works will mainly support smaller overhead line infrastructure, while tower-based works will cover larger transmission routes. The underground cable package will include route development, trenching, duct installation, cable laying, joint bays, testing, commissioning and reinstatement.

This framework is significant because it combines repeated civil works with complex transmission infrastructure in varied environments across Scotland. Contractors may need to deliver projects across upland, coastal and remote areas, where ground conditions, access, weather, logistics and environmental constraints can strongly influence programme and cost.

Substation platforms and transmission routes often require extensive ground investigation, peat management, slope stability assessment, drainage design and foundation optimisation. In remote areas, temporary access roads and material transport can become as important as the permanent works themselves.

The long duration of the framework also suggests an emphasis on standardised design details, repeatable construction methods and stronger supply chain planning. This is important for grid programmes where multiple projects must be delivered in parallel to meet renewable connection and network reinforcement deadlines.

The procurement highlights the growing importance of electricity transmission within the UK infrastructure market. As renewable generation expands, grid reinforcement is becoming a critical part of the energy transition and a major area of work for civil engineering contractors, specialist suppliers and transmission infrastructure teams.

Sources: geomechanics.io, saferhighways.co.uk, govmarket.uk