The substation will provide a new grid connection for Sunderland’s International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) – a hub aiming to create a world-class environment for advanced manufacturing and technology businesses including low carbon and electric vehicle sectors – to enable new gigafactories and other businesses on the site to plug directly into the electricity transmission network.

The Hylton Castle substation will deliver a new grid connection for Nissan, AESC UK and Sunderland City Council’s ambitious EV36Zero electric vehicle hub at the IAMP, which brings together EV manufacture, battery production and a renewable energy microgrid.

The 275kV Air Insulated Switchgear double busbar substation will be constructed as an off-line greenfield project, with OTW’s contract running from design right through to commissioning. The project involves the construction of the new substation for the purpose of installing three new 275/66kV Super Grid Transformers (SGTs) and 66kV cables required by the IAMP.

Steve Galliers, Project Director at OTW  said: “This project is one of several that Omexom and Taylor Woodrow JV is delivering on behalf of National Grid. We are proud to be helping to build resilience in the UK’s energy provision and excited to play a part in one of the most important developments in the UK.”  

This partnership epitomises VINCI’s ability to synergise two of its subsidiaries, each offering distinct services, to effectively tackle vital infrastructure initiatives.

Work has already started with construction activity due to begin in June and completion scheduled for summer 2026.