Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: What’s in the Pipeline?

The UK’s infrastructure pipeline continues to expand, with a range of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) making their way through early-stage planning or awaiting a final decision.

With nearly £14 billion of work in progress or close to approval, the outlook is promising for contractors and stakeholders aligned with the country’s long-term energy and transport strategies.

Powering Up: Major Proposals from National Grid

Three major proposals from National Grid headline the current NSIP pipeline, with a combined value of over £8 billion.

• Nautilus Interconnector (£2.68 billion, Glenigan ID: 19235807): This proposed subsea, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link would connect Great Britain to Belgium with a 1.4GW electricity cable. Early public consultations are underway, and if progress continues, works could start in 2027.
• North Humber to High Marnham Overhead Line (£400 million, Glenigan ID: 23281157): This 90km overhead line reinforcement is in early development, with a development consent order (DCO) expected by Q2 2026. On-site work could begin in mid-2028.
• LionLink Interconnector (£5 billion, Glenigan ID: 23129299): This ambitious UK-Netherlands electricity link would deliver up to 1.8GW of power and connect to a Dutch offshore wind farm. The scheme includes offshore and onshore converter stations and HVDC cable installations, with construction potentially starting in late 2027.

Together, these projects represent a significant investment in cross-border energy infrastructure and signal a growing demand for specialist expertise in HVDC, offshore, and large-scale energy construction.

Projects Awaiting Ministerial Sign-Off

Once a development consent order is submitted and examined, NSIPs move through a series of decision stages. The recommendation report from the Planning Inspectorate must be completed within three months of the examination’s close, after which the Secretary of State makes the final decision.

Several major schemes are currently at or approaching this recommendation stage, totalling nearly £6 billion:

Source: Glenigan

These projects span offshore wind, major road schemes, and solar power, reflecting the UK’s diverse NSIP portfolio.

A Growing Pipeline

When combined, the value of NSIPs either in development or awaiting ministerial approval totals nearly £14 billion. These projects offer significant opportunities for main contractors, consultants, and suppliers operating in the infrastructure, energy, and utilities sectors.

As the government continues to drive forward its net-zero and connectivity targets, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects will remain a key growth area—with the next 12 to 24 months likely to see a substantial increase in activity.

Glenigan customers with a subscription covering NSIPs can view full project details now. Not a Glenigan customer but want to take advantage of these opportunities? Request a free demo to see the actionable insights we provide.