Behind the Grid
Series Launched

‘Behind the Grid’ is a new 4-part series from National Grid. The series shines a spotlight on the incredible work of various teams behind the scenes of the UK’s electricity system to discover how it all works, from where the electricity is generated right up to where it’s used.

In the series you’ll meet host James Stewart as he ventures forth into the unknown and previously unseen with unprecedented access – join him on his journey ‘Behind the Grid’.

James’ journey begins in episode 1 by exploring interconnectors, specifically BritNed, the interconnector connecting the electricity systems of the UK and the Netherlands.

The Netherlands and many other European countries play an integral role in the UK’s electricity grid. Sharing clean energy with European neighbours is really important for reaching net zero and also helping the UK’s resilience and energy security.

In episode 1, James meets some of the teams who work on the BritNed interconnector, both in the UK and the Netherlands, hearing their side of the story first hand.

James meets Tommy Hoogstrate, Site Team Leader at the converter station in Maasvlakte on the Dutch side of BritNed, Stewart Whyte, Operations Director at BritNed, Andrew Hankin, Site Team Leader at the converter station on the UK’s Isle of Grain, and Ben Clifton, Control Room Operator at the converter station on the Isle of Grain. The team share what day-to-day life is like for the BritNed team who keeps the energy flowing between the UK and the Netherlands.

James also meets Matt Hinde, Head of EU Affairs at National Grid, who provides a unique insight into why it’s so important that we harness the power of the North Sea.

In this ground-breaking episode, James and the BritNed team will explore:

• how clean energy gets from one country to another
• why we need to share energy with our neighbours
• how interconnectors help when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining
• how the interconnector cables are installed below the seabed
• how we monitor the cables and troubleshoot any issues
• how the electricity from interconnectors connect to the electricity grid
• the future of interconnectors in the North Sea

Watch episode 1 now as James enjoys unprecedented access into an interconnector to learn more about the vital role BritNed plays in driving towards net zero and enhancing energy security.

Make sure you look out for the upcoming three videos in the Behind the Grid series, which will be released over the coming months.

• Episode 2 – follow electricity from the UK’s shores to our substations and on to our electricity transmission grid
• Episode 3 – find out how electricity then travels on to the lower voltage distribution network, before reaching homes and businesses
• Episode 4 – see how National Grid are evolving electricity systems from old to new and what is needed to ensure the networks are fit for the future; able to carry more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where it’s needed