Work starts on Uxbridge Moor sub-station to meet data demands
National Grid Launches Major Infrastructure Project in Buckinghamshire
The UK’s power grid operator, National Grid, has officially started construction on the country’s largest new electrical substation, located at Uxbridge Moor in Buckinghamshire. The substation, once operational, is expected to supply power to over 12 new data centers, playing a pivotal role in the UK’s digital and economic future.
Scheduled for completion in 2029, this substation marks a significant milestone in the UK’s energy infrastructure development. With the data center industry’s demand for electricity increasing rapidly, National Grid anticipates the need for up to 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of additional power capacity across the country in the coming years.
Project Scope and Purpose
The Uxbridge Moor substation will consist of two main substations—one operating at 400kV and the other at 132kV. Both will be indoor gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) facilities, a modern design that minimizes land use and environmental disruption. According to National Grid, the gas-insulated technology will reduce the project’s footprint by up to 70 percent compared to traditional open-air substations.
This facility is a part of National Grid’s broader commitment to modernize and expand its electricity transmission network. The Uxbridge Moor substation will help meet the growing power needs of energy-intensive sectors, particularly the data center industry, which is vital to advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services.
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Laura Mulcahy, Project Director at National Grid Electricity Transmission, emphasized the project’s strategic value:
“Our new Uxbridge Moor substation will provide vital access to power for data centers that are at the heart of Britain’s innovation and economic growth. It will enable new jobs and investment in Buckinghamshire and will support the UK’s digital future.”
In addition to powering data centers, the substation is expected to contribute to regional development, generating employment opportunities and attracting technology investment in the area.
A £35 Billion National Grid Upgrade
The Uxbridge Moor project forms part of a £35 billion ($47.4 billion) investment strategy by National Grid aimed at upgrading the UK’s transmission infrastructure. This investment includes facilitating new large-scale connections such as data centers and renewable energy installations.
Under its RIIO-T3 business plan, National Grid has allocated over £11 billion ($14.87 billion) toward enhancing existing networks and kickstarting the first three Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) projects. A further £24 billion ($32.5 billion) is earmarked for long-term infrastructure upgrades, including £15 billion ($20.3 billion) specifically for network expansion to handle increased demand.
Government Support for a Future-Ready Grid
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks voiced his support for the project, framing it as a crucial part of the nation’s transition to a high-tech, sustainable economy.
“Upgrades to the electricity network like this are at the heart of building the industries of our future. It comes as we progress our reforms to the grid connections queue that will speed up the time it takes to get high-growth firms, like data centers and AI hubs, plugged into the grid – while also fast-tracking projects that will scale up clean, homegrown power by 2030.”
The government is actively reforming the grid connections queue to accelerate access for innovation-driven industries, aligning national infrastructure with the rapid pace of technological development.
Environmental Focus: No Use of SF6 Gas
One of the most notable aspects of the Uxbridge Moor substation is its sustainable design. It is among the first substations in the UK to completely exclude sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)—a potent greenhouse gas traditionally used as an electrical insulator.
Instead, the facility will incorporate next-generation SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear, further reducing its environmental impact and supporting the National Grid’s commitment to sustainability. The company has set a target to cut SF6-related emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
“Alongside these significant benefits, we are working to keep the substations’ environmental impact to a minimum,” said Mulcahy. “By using the latest SF6-free technology, we’re reducing the size of this crucial site by around 70 percent, and ensuring its technology is sustainable and resilient long into the future.”
Murphy Group to Lead Construction
Construction company Murphy has been appointed as the principal contractor for the Uxbridge Moor project. Their responsibilities include:
- Building both substations (400kV and 132kV)
- Delivering supporting facilities
- Installing underground cabling
- Completing connection works to nearby high-voltage transmission lines
Murphy’s experience in large-scale energy and infrastructure projects will be crucial in ensuring the complex engineering and environmental standards are met throughout the multi-year construction timeline.
Powering the UK’s Digital and Green Transformation
With its strategic focus on supporting digital infrastructure and renewable energy, the Uxbridge Moor substation project represents a significant step toward a future-proofed UK electricity grid.
Once completed, it will not only deliver reliable electricity to over a dozen data centers, but also bolster the nation’s ability to support high-growth tech industries and decarbonize the power sector.
As the project moves forward, it underscores the UK’s commitment to aligning its energy infrastructure with the needs of a data-driven, low-carbon economy.