The Hinkley Connection Project is a new high-voltage electricity connection between Bridgwater and Seabank near Avonmouth. It is a significant investment in the region’s electricity network and will enable us to connect new sources of low-carbon energy to homes and businesses. This includes Hinkley Point C, EDF Energy’s new power station in Somerset.

The new connection will be 57 kilometres (km) long, consisting of 48.5 km of overhead line and 8.5 km of underground cable through the Mendip Hills National Landscape. As part of the project, we have also constructed the world’s first operational T-pylons.

We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to minimise the impact of our project on the local community and the environment. For this project, we’ve done this by making significant changes to the local electricity network enabling us to remove 67 km of overhead line.

We have also worked closely with our teams and contractors to reduce our environmental impact during construction. This includes installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points on site, harvesting rainwater for use in temporary offices and even building a purpose built bat barn to create a sanctuary for local bat species.

Since construction started, National Grid’s Community Grant Programme, aimed at community organisations and charities in areas near to National Grid’s operations and construction activities, has awarded more than £1.4 million to fund a wide range of projects. In addition to this, National Grid has provided 1,951 grants to local schools totalling £1,311,500, benefitting more than 500,000 young people. This includes funding workshops to inspire the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) professionals.

We’re continuing to support local projects and initiatives that create positive environmental outcomes in communities along the route. You can read more in our project news section below or by subscribing to our newsletter.

What’s happening in your area?

Our team is currently working to reinstate land and access points across the project. We are also carrying out final activities to energise the new 57 km electricity connection between Bridgwater and Avonmouth in the South West. The northern section of the route, from Sandford to Avonmouth, has now been energised and work is continuing on the southern section between Bridgwater and Loxton ahead of energisation in the near future. Once complete, the full route will be energised.

To find out more about what’s happening where you live, please explore the dedicated webpages below.

For up-to-date information on any ongoing or upcoming construction traffic management work, please visit our traffic management page.

Hinkley Point

Puriton Ridge

East Hunstpill to Mendips

Mendip Hills

Sandford

Churchill

Puxton to Kenn

Nailsea to Tickenham

Tickenham to Portishead

Avonmouth