National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as the principal contractor to deliver its brand-new, state-of-the-art Electricity Transmission Control Centre. The facility will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards, and play a vital role in supporting the UK’s clean energy transition.
Located on the brownfield site of National Grid’s former 275kV substation at Hams Hall, the ETCC will consolidate multiple control functions into a modern, collaborative space. Once operational, the control centre will run in parallel with the existing Transmission Network Control Centre (TNCC), providing 24/7, 365-day management of the high-voltage electricity transmission system.
Supporting Britain’s clean energy transition
The UK’s electricity transmission system is expanding rapidly to meet the twin challenges of decarbonisation and energy security. As renewable energy generation increases and electricity demand evolves, the management of the grid is becoming ever more complex.
The ETCC is designed to futureproof network resilience, ensuring that clean power can flow efficiently across England and Wales. By modernising operational control, the new centre will help National Grid meet the government’s targets for net zero, while maintaining reliability for millions of customers.
Hams Hall itself symbolises the UK’s energy transition. The site has a rich industrial history, having once housed three coal power stations that powered the Midlands for generations. Its transformation into the new “nerve centre” of the transmission network marks a symbolic shift from fossil fuel dependency to a low-carbon, renewable-led future.
Steel signing milestone marks construction progress
On Monday 15th September 2025, McLaughlin & Harvey Managing Director Paul Griffen and National Grid Director of Network Operations and Intelligence Jon Davies celebrated the steelwork commencement milestone at Hams Hall. Both signed a steel beam, commemorating the start of the structural phase of the project.
“We are committed to building this essential facility in collaboration with National Grid to enable the future energy needs of the UK to be met,” said Paul Griffen. “Complex construction projects like this highlight the capabilities of our talented employees to deliver outstanding results, not just in energy, but across various sectors.”
Jon Davies added: “The development of a brand-new Electricity Transmission Control Centre marks an exciting new age for managing the complex and rapidly growing transmission network. The facility will futureproof our grid’s resilience and house the talented people responsible for operating our world-class transmission network for decades to come.”
A sustainable, future-ready facility
Construction of the ETCC officially began in April 2025 with preparatory works, followed by piling in July to lay the building’s foundations. Steelwork installation began in September, with completion of the control centre scheduled for 2028.
The project will deliver significant benefits beyond the construction phase:
- Brownfield regeneration: Redeveloping the decommissioned Hams Hall substation minimises land use and brings new life to a disused industrial site.
- Sustainability: The building is designed with a strong focus on reducing embodied carbon and achieving high environmental standards.
- Biodiversity net gain: At least 10% biodiversity enhancement will be delivered across the site.
- STEM engagement: The project will create education opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, supporting the next generation of energy professionals.
- Community investment: National Grid’s Community Grant Programme (CGP) will provide funding of up to £20,000 for local charities and organisations.
The facility will also create hundreds of skilled jobs, both during construction and in engineering roles once operational, helping to boost the regional economy and secure expertise for the UK’s future energy system.
Strengthening the UK’s electricity network for decades to come
Once complete, the Electricity Transmission Control Centre will represent a cornerstone of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Working alongside the existing Transmission Network Control Centre, the ETCC will be critical to managing the complexity of a growing, renewable-driven transmission system.
By investing in advanced control facilities, National Grid is ensuring that the UK’s electricity transmission network can continue to deliver world-class reliability, adapt to rapid technological change, and enable the clean energy transition.
The steel signing milestone is not just a construction achievement—it is a symbolic step towards building the resilient, low-carbon energy system that will power Britain for generations.
‘Image: Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey (left) Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid (right)’
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