Under the five-year deal the MSVE Transmission joint venture will spend the majority of the first 12 months on the design and development of the programme.

The first year will also include a project to replace the Quad Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) fittings on a 400kV overhead line.

For the remainder of the contract the pair will focus on several big projects to refurbish and construct 400kV overhead lines and towers across England and Wales, using a new pylon design.

Paul Smith, chief executive of Morgan Sindall Group, said: “We are seeing a number of opportunities in the energy sector and the combination of our specialist skills and experience of working with energy providers leaves us well placed to benefit from this trend.”

“This is an excellent appointment for our construction and infrastructure business which firmly emphasises our market-leading position.”