The Energy Challenge
The country faces a major challenge in meeting projected energy needs over the next few decades, while at the same time tackling climate change.
The current UK peak demand for electricity is around 60GW (gigawatts). But over the next decade a number of power stations are planned to close.
The energy industry is now embarking on a multi-billion pound investment programme. This will encompass small and large scale electricity generation and substantial investment in energy networks to replace and upgrade ageing assets, constructing new overhead power lines and substations to connect and efficiently deliver new energy sources, as well as maintaining the levels of safety and reliability to which everyone has become accustomed.
What is the Thorpe Marsh 400kV Overhead Line Project?
The Thorpe Marsh 400kV overhead line project (OHL) involves an upgrade to the existing 400kV Eggborough to Stalybridge overhead Line, with the likely extension of the current line by approximately 500 metres to allow connection of the line into an upgraded 400kV substation at Thorpe Marsh.
The project forms part of a series of upgrades to existing infrastructure, enabling new sources of power to connect to the national electricity transmission system and to update existing assets that are now in need of upgrading.
What will be happening in the Thorpe Marsh area?
Over the coming years there will need to be a major investment to upgrade the existing facilities at Thorpe Marsh substation, in order to maintain service to the national electricity transmission system.
Proposed works include:
A new cable sealing end compound to replace an existing overhead line tower platform.
The relocation of the National Grid Oil Management Unit from within the current substation to a new location north of the facility.
The upgrading of the existing 275kv substation to 400kv.
The replacement of three pylons, the removal of one pylon and the erection of one new pylon.A minor realignment of the lines entering the substation.
Where are we now?
Some elements of the proposed works, such as the substation upgrade, are classed as 'permitted development', meaning that National Grid are required to carry out the works in order to maintain the operation of the electricity network and do not need to apply for planning permission.
Other works require planning applications submitted to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council. A planning application has been submitted for the moving of the Oil Management Unit and a decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks. A planning application for the new Sealing End Compound is expected to be submitted to the Council in early 2012.
The remaining proposed works, which involve the removal of an existing pylon, the erection of two new pylons and replacement overhead lines, are focused on infrastructure located on land that National Grid is in the process of purchasing and no planning application is required. These works are expected to commence in 2013.
While, due to the limited extent of the proposed works, there is no requirement for any application for a Development Consent Order to the Infrastructure Planning Commission, National Grid are still committed to consulting and informing the local community about works forthcoming activity at Thorpe Marsh.
We held information events in Barnby Dun and Kirk Sandall in October 2011 and have collated feedback from the local community. We've also met with the local parish Council and will aim to continue to do so over the coming months and years. We've taken on board comments from the community regarding potential landscaping on the site and will use these comments to inform our landscaping scheme.
You can still let us know your thoughts on the proposals by emailing consultation@thorpemarsh.com or calling our Freephone consultation hotline 0800 319 6162.
What happens next?
A planning application is currently being prepared for the new cable sealing end compound and this will be submitted to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council in early 2012. Other works, such as the replacement pylons and realignment of the overhead lines, will commence in 2013. We'll be updating this website as the project progresses but, if you have any questions in the meantime, please contact our consultation team on 0800 319 6162 or email consultation@thorpemarsh.com.