Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial, through its UK construction division, has been awarded a £230 million contract by National Grid for the Grain to Tilbury electricity infrastructure upgrade project.

Scheduled to commence in early 2025 and conclude by the first quarter of 2029, this project is a crucial component of National Grid’s “Great Grid Upgrade,” the largest modernisation of the UK’s electricity network in decades.

The project will be delivered by the Ferrovial BEMO joint venture (JV), a collaboration between Ferrovial Construction and engineering-focused firm BEMO.

The scope of work includes constructing a 2.2-kilometre high-voltage (400kV) cable tunnel beneath the Thames, two deep shafts (35 metres in depth with diameters of 15 and 12 metres), headhouses, and Cable Sealing End (CSE) compounds.

These upgrades will replace the existing Thames Cable Tunnel, built in 1969, which currently houses high-voltage transmission cables.

To ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the JV will employ advanced engineering techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

A Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) will be used for excavation, marking only the second time this innovative method has been deployed in the UK.

The VSM allows simultaneous excavation and lining installation from the surface, significantly reducing construction time, minimising environmental impact, and enhancing safety — particularly under groundwater conditions.

Ferrovial Construction brings extensive experience in complex tunneling projects in the UK, having previously worked on high-profile schemes such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Silvertown Tunnel, Northern Line Extension, and multiple contracts on the Elizabeth Line.

This new project further solidifies Ferrovial’s position as a leader in sustainable infrastructure development in the UK.