Bowers Electricals Supports the Development of New Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan

As a BEAMA member, we are pleased to have played a supportive role in the development of the new Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan. This initiative, spanning multiple sectors, is designed to help shape a long-term blueprint for national growth and ensure that businesses and communities across the UK can benefit from the significant levels of grid investment planned for the future.

The plan, launched jointly by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) and BEAMA, brings together electricity network operators, manufacturers and government in an unprecedented collaborative effort.

The purpose is to ensure that the modernisation and expansion of the UK’s electricity infrastructure delivers the greatest possible economic, industrial and societal value.

Upgrading the electricity network is central to enabling the UK’s transition to clean and electrified energy systems. The interim report highlights how large-scale investment in transmission and distribution networks will support low-carbon ambitions, create tens of thousands of jobs and stimulate growth across the wider supply chain.

Key themes highlighted in the Growth Plan include:

Expected job creation across the sector: Future grid investment is likely to support new roles throughout the energy and manufacturing industries, creating opportunities for a broad range of technical, engineering and project-based positions as the sector continues to grow.

Growing need for modern infrastructure and equipment: A wide range of technologies and components will be required as the electricity network continues to expand and evolve. This includes everything needed to build, upgrade and maintain modern grid infrastructure, from core electrical equipment to the systems that support monitoring, protection and control.

Focus on a resilient UK supply chain: The plan recognises the importance of strong domestic capability to support national infrastructure and long-term energy needs. By building a resilient UK supply chain, it aims to ensure that the equipment, skills and services needed to modernise the electricity network can be delivered reliably within the country, reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing and supporting energy security. This focus highlights the valuable role established UK providers like ourselves play in maintaining and upgrading the network as demand for electrical equipment continues to grow.

A coordinated approach to skills and workforce planning: Collaboration across the sector will be essential to ensure the right expertise is available for future growth.

Over the next six months, ENA, BEAMA and their delivery partners will continue developing the full Growth Plan. This includes delivering detailed economic analysis, outlining actions to grow UK supply chains and manufacturing capability, and building a collaborative approach to future skills requirements.

The initiative has been welcomed by government, regulators and industry leaders who recognise the scale of the opportunity to modernise the UK’s energy infrastructure and unlock long-term value for communities and businesses.

Bowers Electricals is proud to support this collaborative work. As the UK moves towards a more electrified, efficient and resilient energy system, initiatives like the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan will play an important role in shaping a stronger future for the sector and the wider economy.

For those who would like to explore the details further, the full news story and progress report from BEAMA and the Energy Networks Association are available on the BEAMA website, where the findings and next steps for the Growth Plan can be reviewed. You can find this here.