Bosses at National Grid Electricity Transmission expect to spend up to £650m over the next five years beefing up the network as more renewable energy comes on stream and plans advance for nuclear power station building.

The huge framework agreement will be split into two covering lower voltage substations up to 132v and another covering all voltages up to 400kv.

NGET is looking firms with a proven track record in detailed design through to full engineering procurement and construction management.

The transmission firm set up an alliance five years ago to cover its substation upgrade programme. This saw Skanska working with Areva and Mott MacDonald secure the south east region of the country.

Morgan Est in join venture with ABB and Atkins won the central region, while Murphy, Siemens and P B Power walked off with the north.

The South West and Wales went to Morrison, Jacob and Mitsubishi.

Firms interested in the new countrywide arrangement have until 22 December to submit PQQ information for the framework which is expected to contain a panel of six contractors or consortia.

Further information is available from Neil Goadby at the Global Procurement Office in Warwick – tel: 01926656743 or email:[email protected]