Northern Powergrid to create 1,000 jobs with £3.2bn net zero drive

A UK power company has announced plans to invest £3.2bn into a net zero drive that is set to create 1,000 new jobs.

Northern Powergrid has revealed plans to deliver a new electricity network across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire which will enable regional decarbonisation.

The plans, which are proposed to take place between 2023 and 2028, will see investment increase by 36 per cent to more than £600m per year.

The 1,000 new jobs expected to be created will be across the company’s network, supporting its goals for a net zero and greener energy future.

The plans have been submitted to Ofgem for review.

Phil Jones, Northern Powergrid’s chief executive, commented: “We are setting out our intentions as one of the leading investors in the region’s transition to net zero.

“We see it as a fantastic opportunity and a significant responsibility. Our network will be instrumental in the shift to low carbon energy and we are responding to the calls from our stakeholders to invest in the network technologies that will make it all possible.”

“This is not more of the same – we’re going to create the low carbon network of the future at the same time as improving service levels across the board. That means significant change in the way we do business. We need to learn new skills, create new job opportunities in the region and make the most of innovation, particularly in the area of data and digital technology.”

“It’s hard to think of a better example of building back better. Over £3bn of investment in the region that delivers real action on climate change and more skilled jobs – on top of improved services in every area of our business. Our proposals help set the region firmly on the pathway to strong, decarbonised regional growth – delivering prosperity and leading the way to net zero.”

Patrick Erwin, Northern Powergrid’s policy and markets director, said: “The pathway to decarbonisation is still uncertain, as emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and grid-scale energy storage compete for funding and mainstream uptake.

“We are proposing a draft plan that will help manage this uncertainty by operating a flexibility-first approach; strengthening the capability of our network and operating a smart, flexible system that can adapt to every potential decarbonisation pathway for our customers.”