North London Reinforcement Project
The North London Reinforcement project will see work being conducted on the existing overhead line between Pelham Rye substation and Hackney substation.
The works will comprise of replacing the existing 275kV overhead line with a 400kV overhead line from Pelham Rye substation, Hertfordshire to Waltham Cross substation in Epping Forest, through Enfield, and then to Tottenham substation in Haringey.
There will also be associated works to the substations at Pelham Rye, Waltham Cross, Brimsdown, Tottenham and Hackney.
The North London Reinforcement Project was approved in May 2014 by the Secretary of State and then subsequently put on hold by National Grid following a change in energy demand. Given Government targets to connect 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, the project has since been brought forward as part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment programme.
The North London Reinforcement Project will provide the necessary upgrade to enable future energy demands whilst playing a key role in helping the UK achieve targets for renewables and net zero.
Contact us
If you would like any further information or to speak to a member of the community relations team about the works, please use the contact form on our website or via the contact details below.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 279 3408
Frequently asked questions
The project involves expanding the substations at Pelham Rye, Waltham Cross, Brimsdown, Tottenham and Hackney. It will include replacing the existing 275KV overhead line with a 400kV overhead line that runs from Pelham Rye to Hackney.
To prepare for the Waltham Cross substation expansion, we have undertaken vegetation clearance work in January 2024. This included clearing trees and scrubland, which is crucial for allowing prompt commencement of work. Vegetation clearance will also take place at Pelham in February 2024. The actual expansion work is set to commence in May 2024 and will continue until 2028.
National Grid have set a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in environmental value target on all construction projects and is aiming to achieve 15% on this project. To reach this, we will work with ecologists and Lea Valley Park about how and where biodiversity net gains following this project will take place.
This upgrade aims to enhance electricity transmission capacity, addressing future energy demands. It plays a vital role in transmitting offshore wind power to residences and businesses, contributing to the UK's renewable energy and net zero objectives.
We always plan to complete any work with the minimum of disturbance for people living near to our sites. A clearly defined access route will ensure all traffic enters the site via one route, reducing impact on the wider area. We are aiming to only dispose of waste from the vegetation clearances during certain hours to reduce continuous noise and minimise construction traffic interactions.
We are committed to working with our neighbours to ensure that disruption and visual impact of our activity is kept to a minimum.
Vegetation clearance work was undertaken at Waltham Cross in January 2024, and is scheduled to take place at Pelham in February 2024, which will be conducted during normal working hours, 8am- 5pm.
Following the vegetation clearance, the substation expansion work will begin in May 2024 and is expected to continue until 2028.
The North London Reinforcement project will be completed by the end of 2027.
The North London Reinforcement project will support the UK’s net zero targets by facilitating the transmission of electricity generated by offshore wind. The energy generated from our offshore wind farms will be uprated through the existing overhead line and substations, and redirected to central London where there is a greater demand for increased energy. It will also future proofing the route and ensure it remains operational for decades to come.
To reduce the impact on local wildlife and biodiversity, the vegetation work is being conducted between January and March. This is to protect breeding seasons along with taking into consideration the peak season of park users. Three ecology reports have been completed as well as a Habitats Regulations Assessment which has been accepted by Natural England in line with the clearance. We will also have an ecologist onsite for the works if required.
National Grid have set a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in environmental value target on all construction projects and is aiming to achieve 15% on this project. To reach this, we will work with ecologists and Lea Valley Park about how and where biodiversity net gains following this project will take place.
Yes, we’ll continue to keep local communities up to date.
You can keep up to date on the project progress by visiting the National Grid website – nationalgrid.com/NorthLondonReinforcement.
You can get in touch with National Grid by email at [email protected] or by calling 0800 279 3408.