Grimsby to Walpole Proposal

Grimsby to Walpole – project background

The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, as we are transitioning to cheaper, cleaner and more secure forms of energy like new offshore windfarms. We need to make changes to the network of overhead lines, pylons, cables and other infrastructure that transports electricity around the country, so that everyone has access to the clean electricity from these renewable sources.

As part of this, we are proposing to build approximately 140 kilometres of new high voltage 400 kV electricity transmission line. The reinforcement would run from a new substation at Grimsby West in North East Lincolnshire and a new substation at Walpole in Norfolk. Three additional new connection substations are also required along the route. We currently anticipate the earliest operational date being in 2033.

The upgrade – referred to as ‘Grimsby to Walpole’ – is required to support the UK’s net zero target by reinforcing the electricity transmission network in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk, and facilitate the connection of planned offshore wind generation, battery storage/solar, interconnectors with other countries and subsea links to Scotland, allowing clean energy to be carried on the network. Our proposals are part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the grid in generations.

Stage 1 consultation

Our first stage of public consultation will run from mid-January to mid-March 2024. We are holding our first stage of public consultation to:

·       introduce NGET and our proposals to you;

·       explain why we must build new electricity transmission infrastructure in this area and what technology is considered the best to use;

·       outline the work carried out to identify our emerging preferred route corridor and graduated swathe (within which the new reinforcement would be routed);

·       ensure all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback on our work to date and hear your views about where within our emerging preferred corridor and graduated swathe the exact route could be located, and how we should approach building this vital infrastructure; and

·       outline next steps and programme and how we will further develop our proposals.

Ahed of this consultation, we would like to invite you to attend an online webinar with members of our project team to share more information about our proposals and next steps – including how you can get involved in our public consultation and wider timescales for development.

We are holding four separate meetings online parish council briefing sessions, which we have divided based on sections of our proposals:

·       Grimsby to Walpole Briefing Map area 1: Grimsby West to Alvingham and Keddington - Parish Councils – Monday 22 January 2024 at 6:30pm

·       Grimsby to Walpole Briefing Map area 2: Alvingham and Keddington to Burgh le Marsh - Parish Councils – Tuesday 23 January 2024 at 6:30pm

·       Grimsby to Walpole Briefing Map area 3 - Burgh le Marsh to the River Welland - Parish Councils – Wednesday 24 January 2024 at 6:30pm

·       Grimsby to Walpole Briefing Map area 4 - River Welland to Walpole - Parish Councils – Thursday 25 January 2024 at 6:30pm

In the interests of attendance numbers, we kindly ask that up to two representatives from your parish council attend. These briefings will be held online, with a short presentation followed by a question and answer sessions. Details of how to join will be provided by email.

For any further questions or information, please email contact@g-w.nationalgrid.com or call us on 0800 0129 153 to speak with a member of the community relations team.

Further information about the project is available on our webpage nationalgrid.com/g-w.