The Development Consent Order (DCO) for National Grid’s ambitious 180-kilometer power line from Norwich to Tilbury has advanced to the pre-examination phase, marking a significant progression in the project. This proposal involves constructing a 400kV electricity transmission connection starting at the Norwich Main substation in Norfolk, extending through the Bramford substation in Suffolk, and including both a new East Anglia Connection Node Substation and a new Tilbury North Substation.
Earlier this month, National Grid submitted the DCO, which has now been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate, enabling the project to proceed into the pre-examination phase. The Norwich to Tilbury initiative is part of a larger scheme, encompassing 17 megaprojects that together form the Great Grid Upgrade gigaproject in England and Wales. This grand plan is intended to facilitate the delivery of more homegrown British energy to regions where it is most needed.
In light of forecasts suggesting that electricity demand will double in the near future, the upgrade aims to bolster electricity capacity across East Anglia, recognized as a hub of offshore wind and renewable energy generation. Over the course of more than three years of consultation, National Grid has collected approximately 20,000 pieces of community feedback. These insights have significantly shaped the project plans, including an underground section adjacent to Great Horkesley near Dedham Vale National Landscape.
The pre-examination phase, typically spanning several months, provides an opportunity for the public and other stakeholders to register as interested parties and engage in the planning process. Subsequently, the Planning Inspectorate will organize a preliminary meeting to outline the examination process. This leads into the formal examination stage, which can last up to six months. Upon completion, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will make the final decision on whether the project should proceed.
Simon Pepper, the project manager for National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury project, commented, “Acceptance of our application marks a significant step forward for Norwich to Tilbury. It reflects the valuable input from local authorities, landowners, communities, and technical experts across East Anglia. If granted a DCO, this project will play a vital role in connecting more renewable energy to the grid, helping to meet rising electricity demand, strengthening energy security, and supporting regional economic growth while delivering secure and more affordable electricity to homes and businesses.”