Bramford - Twinstead frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The questions and answers on this page relate specifically to the Bramford - Twinstead infrastructure project. For more general FAQs please see our major infrastructure projects FAQs.

Questions

  1. Why are you proposing extending the electricity transmission system in this area?
  2. In addition to the new overhead line, what other options did you consider?
  3. Why can't you use the existing infrastructure?
  4. How long is the proposed new overhead line?
  5. How high and how far apart will the pylons be?
  6. Are the pylons the same as ones already on your system?
  7. When do you plan to start construction and how long will it take?

Answers

  1. Why are you proposing extending the electricity transmission system in this area?
    National Grid has a duty to offer terms for connection to the National Grid network when an electricity generator makes an application for connection. East Anglia is a region of significant generation development and a number of new generation connections have been accommodated. However, this part of the National Grid network has now reached the limit of its capability.

    Recently, National Grid has received a number of additional connection requests:

    • Kings Lynn B 984MW gas-fired power station
    • Sizewell C 1650MW x 2 nuclear power station
    • South Holland 840MW gas fired power station
    In addition, a significant potential development of offshore wind power, which would help meet renewable energy targets, has been identified off the East Anglia coast.

    Any of the above proposals requires the construction of the new Bramford – Twinstead overhead line. In March 2009, a report by the Electricity Networks Strategy Group, which reviewed what reinforcements to the National Grid are likely to be required in order to meet the 2020 objectives, concluded that there is a strategic need to build the new line, because of the dependency between it and the potential new generation connections in the East Anglia area.

  2. In addition to the new overhead line, what other options did you consider?
    We carried out a detailed examination of all options and you can read more about these in the strategic options report.

  3. Why can't you use the existing infrastructure?
    Where possible, we will make best use of existing infrastructure. However, new nuclear power stations such as Sizewell C produce more electricity and have different characteristics to their older counterparts so, whilst it is often possible to re-use the existing assets, additional assets are also required.

    We will only seek to build electricity lines along new routes, or above ground installations in new locations, where our existing infrastructure cannot be technically or economically upgraded to meet system security standards and regulatory obligations, where forecasted increases in demand for electricity will not be satisfied by other means, or where connections to customers are required.

  4. How long is the proposed new overhead line?
    The proposed overhead line would link our existing installations at Bramford and Twinstead. The length of line would be between 26 km and 30 km and the exact length would depend on the route option chosen.

  5. How high and how far apart will the pylons be?
    Pylons will be a standard height of around 46.5m but extensions or reductions may be required in places depending on the land topography. The average space between pylons is 365m apart.

  6. Are the pylons the same as ones already on your system?
    The vast majority of our pylons in the East Anglia were built in the 1960s. In design terms the new towers will be ‘modern day’ equivalent, which in general terms is approximately the same height and spacing, but slightly slimmer in appearance.

  7. When do you plan to start construction and how long will it take?
    We expect to determine our preferred route corridor in January 2010 following our first phase of public consultation. After this, we will carry out a full and formal Environmental Impact Assessment, alongside an extensive public consultation programme. This will determine a preferred alignment for the overhead line within the preferred route corridor.

    We have allowed a construction period of 2012 to 2016. But because we have not yet made a decision on which option is to be built, this programme may vary.