National Grid has commenced work on a new 275kV substation at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) to enable new gigafactories and other businesses to connect directly to the electricity transmission network.
The IAMP is a joint venture between Sunderland and South Tyneside Councils.
The Hylton Castle substation will provide a new grid connection for Nissan, AESC UK and Sunderland City Council’s EV36Zero electric vehicle hub.
This hub integrates EV manufacturing, battery production and a renewable energy microgrid.
Scheduled for completion and energisation in 2026, the substation will feature three new 100-tonne supergrid transformers and advanced control systems, providing electricity capacity equivalent to powering around half a million homes for a day.
National Grid recently re-routed a kilometre of pylons and overhead power lines around the IAMP’s future perimeter, freeing up land for the substation and gigafactories.
Omexom and Taylor Woodrow (OTW) joint venture, part of the VINCI group, has been appointed as the contractor for the substation works, with construction activity starting in June.
The IAMP spans 150 hectares across Sunderland and South Tyneside local authority areas, backed by £42 million from the UK Government through the Local Growth Fund and North East Local Enterprise Partnership.
Alice Delahunty, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, said: “Plugging the site directly into our transmission network – the electricity superhighway that spans England and Wales – will deliver it a firm supply of power 24/7, and enable its operations that will support jobs and prosperity in the area for years to come.”
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “The creation of Nissan’s EV36Zero Hub will create and sustain many thousands of jobs for years to come, so this is a transformation project that is powered by partnership working.”
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