The paper describes the development of contracting from the early days to the emerging role of the lead contractor in major overseas power projects today. The look at history shows how the role of the contractor has evolved in parallel with the development of the UK power industry. The fall in new business in the UK forced a change in attitude to attack the world market, and some overseas projects are described. The significance of the concept of UK Ltd is discussed together with the important role of the lead contractor with strong project management skills and experience to bring together not only technical and construction activity but also commercial and financial aspects of a large construction project. Developments in opportunities for renewable energy projects at home and overseas are reviewed. The paper concludes with a reference to the challenge facing contractors in the changing scene worldwide in power sector construction projects.