UK’s National Grid Proposes New Transmission Upgrade

As part of the British overhaul of its transmission system, called the The Great Grid Upgrade, which is the largest improvement of the grid in a long period, National Grid is proposing a new transmission line in the middle of England.

The upgrade project is part of new infrastructure development across England and Wales to assist the UK to meet its net zero ambitions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term.

The National Grid has launched public consultations on the scheme, and is inviting communities in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and West Norfolk to view proposals for new overhead electricity line. It will be able to transport 6 gigawatts of power and connect proposed new sources of electricity that are planned to come onshore on the east coast of England, bordering the North Sea. The project involves proposals to build a new high voltage electricity transmission line and five new substations, over approximately 140 km (87 miles).

The upgrade – referred to as ‘Grimsby to Walpole’ (the two towns at either end of the proposed transmission line) is required to support the UK’s net zero target by reinforcing the electricity grid network in the counties of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk, and facilitate the connection of planned offshore wind generation, battery storage and solar, interconnectors with other countries and subsea links to Scotland, allowing more clean energy to be carried on the network.

Ben Muncey, Project Director for Grimsby to Walpole, commented, “This reinforcement between Grimsby and Walpole is essential in the UK’s journey to net zero by 2050 and is part of a wider programme to upgrade the entire network. We look forward to hearing views from members of the public and we welcome feedback on our proposals.”