Essential power upgrade complete between Shurton and Bridgwater
Milestone achieved with minimal disruption with use of innovative Skysafe system.
The Hinkley Connection Project has achieved a significant milestone with the upgrade of 17km of overhead electricity lines between Shurton and Bridgwater from 275kV to 400kV. Since 2018, National Grid Electricity Transmission has been constructing a new high voltage electricity connection between Bridgwater and Seabank, near Avonmouth. This extensive project includes overhead electricity lines, lattice pylons and T-pylons, two new substations at Shurton and Sandford, and 8.5km of cables under the Mendip Hills National Landscape.
The recent upgrade has increased capacity on the existing local electricity network which means it will be able to efficiently carry low-carbon electricity generated from Hinkley Point C onto the high voltage electricity transmission system, ensuring 6 million homes and businesses can benefit from greener, homegrown energy.
This stage of work has been completed by using SkySafe, an innovative scaffold-less catenary system that allows engineers to work safely between pylons without causing disruption to roads or businesses.
Traditionally, installing new overhead electricity lines between existing pylons requires extensive scaffolding, leading to road closures and disruption for local businesses. In north Bridgwater, this would have impacted motorists in surrounding local villages and the M5 motorway.
The completion of the uprated overhead lines in March marks the last outage-related works before these new lines, running between Shurton and Bridgwater, are energised. This milestone not only highlights the project's progress but also underscores its commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions with minimal disruption to the community.
Gareth Thomas, Project Manager at National Grid, said:
This is a major milestone for the project and a great example of how innovation can minimise disruption for local communities. SkySafe has enabled us to complete these essential works safely and efficiently while keeping businesses and roads running as normal. With the final cables now in place, we’re looking ahead to energising the network and delivering a more resilient power supply for the future.
For more information about the Hinkley Connection Project, such as the latest news in the area which you live, or how our Community Grant Programme is investing in local communities, please visit our website.