National Grid is making changes to its network of electricity infrastructure that transports power around the country, in order to connect new sources of power generated from offshore wind and other low carbon sources to homes and businesses.
The Great Grid Upgrade is said to be the largest overhaul of the grid in generations, playing a large part in the government’s plan to boost homegrown power, helping the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future, and carrying more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where it is needed.
As part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham project, National Grid is proposing to build and operate a new 400 kV substation which will extend to the south of its existing substation site off Calow Lane in Cock Alley, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire.
It is claimed the new substation, which forms a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system and provide the ability to transport cleaner energy from the North of England to homes and businesses across the Midlands and beyond, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The local community is invited to find out more about National Grid’s plans and provide their feedback online, at a webinar on Wednesday 1 May, and in-person on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May at Calow Community Centre.
The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will support the UK’s net zero target by adding capacity to accommodate increasing power flows of energy generated in particular from offshore wind, in Scotland and North East England, which is expected to double within the next ten years, to areas of demand south to the Midlands and beyond.
By reinforcing the network in the centre of the country, the project will facilitate the connection of more renewable and low carbon electricity, to allow clean green energy to be carried around the network.
Leanne Evans, National Grid project director, said: “Demand for electricity is expected to rise as the way we power our homes, businesses and transport changes. As the nation moves towards net zero, the fossil fuels that once powered our economy will be replaced with sources of low-carbon electricity.
“This project is one of several network upgrades designed to get greater capability out of the existing network; allowing more electricity to pass through the transmission network and help accelerate the connection of clean energy projects.
“We want to hear the views of local communities near the proposed series of works and we encourage the Chesterfield community to participate. We value their input as we develop our plans and feedback from local communities and stakeholders will help inform and shape our proposals.”
National Grid expect the proposed substation in Chesterfield to be operational in winter 2029.
