UK telecoms group BT has secured a contract worth up to £200 million (approximately €238 million) with Northern Ireland Electricity Networks to deliver enhanced connectivity, cybersecurity, and IT services supporting critical energy infrastructure across the region. The agreement underpins NIE Networks' digital transformation programme, which aims to modernise the key services and infrastructure providing electricity to Northern Ireland.

Data Center Dynamics reported that the contract will see BT provide improved network infrastructure, strengthened connectivity, day-to-day management of network infrastructure, data hosting, and a dedicated cybersecurity team to guard against evolving threats. The contract will initially run for five years, with the option to extend by up to a further 10 years.

NIE Networks owns and operates approximately 2,300 km of transmission network and 58,800 km of distribution network, serving 966,000 homes, farms, and businesses across Northern Ireland.

Rohan Kapoor, chief information officer of NIE Networks, said the multi-year partnership is a win-win for Northern Ireland's economy, supporting local jobs, skills development, and supply-chain opportunities, and that the collaboration will increase technological capabilities enabling further electrification, renewables integration, and emerging flexibility markets.

The deal will also support NIE Networks in progressing its sustainability and net zero ambitions through a move to more sustainable infrastructure and networks. BT Group employs more than 3,400 people in Northern Ireland and contributes an estimated £630 million (approximately €751 million) to the regional economy.

Northern Ireland has set a target of 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 under its Climate Action Plan, with grid modernisation and digital transformation of electricity networks identified as critical enablers of that transition.

Read the full report on BT's contract with NIE Networks.