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Electricity pylon in a deep green field.

WHAT IS THE GRID?

THINK OF THE GRID AS A MOTORWAY SYSTEM FOR POWER, CARRYING ENERGY FROM WHERE IT'S MADE TO WHERE IT'S NEEDED. IT DELIVERS POWER FROM WIND FARMS, SOLAR ARRAYS AND POWER STATIONS TO YOUR COMMUNITY.

The grid consists of pylons, underground cables, substations and clever technology that manages the flow of electricity across the country. It even connects to other nations' grids so we can share power when needed.

As our lives become more reliant on electricity, we need to grow our grid to carry the extra power we need. Also, as we build more renewable generation in new places like offshore wind farms, we need to expand our grid to connect these clean energy sources to our homes and businesses.

Electricity pylons in a field with yellow flowers and a bright sunny sky in the distance.

History of the grid

The national grid launched in the 1930s, transforming life in England, Scotland and Wales by connecting previously isolated power systems.

 

Today, our grid is 99.9999% reliable and among the best in the world, providing the foundation for decades of economic growth.

 

Electricity demand has quadrupled in 70 years and while the grid has evolved alongside our changing technology needs, maintaining this exceptional reliability as demand continues to grow requires significant investment and modernisation.

Types of infrastructure

Transmission network

Snapshot of a electricity wire from a pylon against a blue sunny sky.

The backbone of our electricity system consists of high-voltage overhead lines supported by pylons that efficiently transport power across long distances.

Substations

Electricity substation surrounded by fields of greenery.

These vital hubs convert electricity between different voltages and direct the flow of power, ensuring it moves safely between networks.

Underground cables

Man wearing a hi-vis digging cables under the ground.

In urban areas and places of outstanding natural beauty, electricity often travels through underground cables that minimise visual impact.

Subsea connections

Offshore wind turbines lined up in-front of one another with a blue sky in the distance.

These important connections bring renewable power from offshore wind farms to the mainland, link different nations, regions and communities within Britain and connect our grid to neighbouring countries.

White large offshore wind turbines in the spinning in the ocean.

Future of the grid

£58 billion is needed by 2035 to upgrade the grid for our changing energy landscape and growing electricity demands.

 

This investment will connect Britain to more affordable sources of homegrown energy, reducing our dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels.

 

Modernisation ensures our grid can continue powering British innovation for generations to come.

Electricity pylons positioned in a green field, with a deep orange sunset in the distance.

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.

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