Major electricity network upgrade reaches planning milestone
Major electricity network upgrade reaches planning milestone
EAST Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire are home to some of the country's most significant energy infrastructure and are expected to see substantial growth in offshore wind generation over the coming years. As more electricity is generated off the east coast and demand continues to grow across homes, businesses, industry and transport, the network that carries electricity around the country must also evolve.
That is why National Grid is developing the North Humber to High Marnham project, a major new electricity transmission connection that would help transport power from the Humber area into the wider national network. The project would include around 90 kilometres of new 400kV overhead line, running from near Creyke Beck, to the north of Hull to High Marnham, Nottinghamshire. It would also include improvements to existing infrastructure and, in several locations, the proposed new route would run close to existing overhead lines. Together, these works would help increase the capacity of the network between the north of England and the East Midlands.
The project forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest upgrade of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales in generations. As more home-grown electricity is generated, particularly from offshore wind, additional capacity is needed to move power from where it is produced to the homes, businesses and public services that rely on it.
North Humber to High Marnham recently reached a key stage with the submission of its Development Consent Order (DCO) application. The application follows several years of route development, environmental and technical assessments and engagement with communities, landowners, businesses and stakeholders. For Monica Corso Griffiths, National Grid's Project Director for North Humber to High Marnham, reaching this stage reflects years of engagement and development work. She says the investment is also a reminder of the scale of upgrades needed to support the country's future electricity needs. “As more offshore wind generation connects along the east coast and demand for electricity continues to grow, investment in the network that carries power around the country becomes increasingly important. Investment in infrastructure such as North Humber to High Marnham will help ensure the network has the capacity needed to support future growth while transporting increasing amounts of home-grown energy around the country.
“We've spent a number of years listening to local communities, landowners and businesses as we've developed our plans, so reaching this stage is an important moment for the project.”
Alongside delivering new infrastructure, National Grid is committed to ensuring local communities and businesses can benefit from the investment. If consented, the project could support a Community Fund worth around £18 million. Shaped by the community, for the community, these funds will be designed to reflect local needs and developed in line with government guidance.
The project could also create opportunities for businesses across East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and surrounding areas. Major infrastructure projects rely on a wide range of suppliers and services, from engineering and construction through to logistics, environmental consultancy, accommodation, catering and professional services. National Grid is keen to help local businesses understand where future work may emerge and how they can position themselves to support the project. This could include Meet the Buyer events, bringing together contractors, delivery partners and potential suppliers alongside other initiatives designed to help businesses understand potential work and supply chain requirements.
Major infrastructure projects create demand across a broad range of sectors, from engineering and logistics to accommodation, catering and professional services. Monica believes helping local businesses understand where work may emerge and prepare for future procurement activity is an important part of the project's approach. “Projects of this scale require a wide range of skills, services and expertise. We want local companies to understand where future work may emerge and how they can position themselves to get involved.”
The project will now move into the pre-examination stage of the Development Consent Order process. During this stage, interested parties will have the opportunity to register and take part in the examination. The application will then be independently examined before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision on whether development consent should be granted.
Throughout the process, National Grid will continue engaging with communities, stakeholders and businesses as the application is considered and, subject to consent, will continue working with contractors, delivery partners and business organisations to help local companies understand potential future opportunities linked to the project.
