National Grid is constructing a new 400kV substation within the industrial area of the Isle of Grain in Kent to support a new interconnector linking the UK and Germany.
The Project
Building a reliable clean energy future from the Isle of Grain
National Grid is delivering a new 400 kV substation at Wallend, located within the established industrial area on the Isle of Grain in Medway in Kent.
This vital infrastructure will play a key role in strengthening the UK's high voltage electricity transmission system, helping to balance supply and demand as the energy landscape evolves.
Wallend Substation is a vital investment in the UK’s energy future
Located on the Isle of Grain, an area already home to major infrastructure such as Grain LNG and the BritNed Interconnector, the project strengthens Medway’s role as a strategic energy hub. National Grid is committed to transparent communication, considerate construction and creating lasting benefits for the people of the Isle of Grain.
Wallend Substation is part of a coordinated strategy to enable major clean energy connections and ensure greater flexibility and resilience across the grid. The project will directly support the delivery of the NeuConnect project, a 1.4GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector linking the UK and Germany.
This project will enable more effective management of electricity flows, enhance network flexibility and support the UK Government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. It will also strengthen resilience in the face of growing demand.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information about the project, please get in touch:
- Email: [email protected]
- Freephone Community Information Line: 0800 130 3767
(Available Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30pm)
To stay informed:
- Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter
We look forward to hearing from you.
Project Location
The substation is positioned near to existing infrastructure such, as Grain LNG and the BritNed Interconnector, allowing us to minimise environmental and visual impact. Locating the new substation within an industrial area helps reduce disruption to residential areas and reinforces Medway’s strategic energy hub status.
Key features include:
- Located within an industrial area on the Isle of Grain
- Positioned close to Grain LNG and BritNed to reduce new infrastructure needs
- Purpose-built to support a new interconnector linking the UK and Germany
- Visual and environmental screening incorporated where necessary
- Traffic management plans in place to reduce impact during construction
We are committed to working closely with local stakeholders to address any concerns around site access, traffic or visual impact. This will form an important part of our construction and delivery approach.
Community Grant Programme
As part of our commitment to delivering local benefits, National Grid has launched a Community Grant Programme to support projects in areas directly affected by the construction of the Wallend Substation.
The programme offers grants of up to £20,000 to initiatives that provide clear, lasting benefits to local communities. We will work with local representatives, residents and community organisations to ensure the funding reflects local priorities.
National Grid’s programme has previously supported a wide range of initiatives, including improvements to community facilities, biodiversity and environmental projects, educational activities and enhancements to local green spaces.
A dedicated application process is in place, allowing organisations to check their eligibility and apply for funding. The programme is designed to be transparent, accountable and outcomes-focused, supporting projects that make a measurable difference to local communities.
For further information on our Community Grant Programme, please see the application website.
Stay Informed
We’ve created dedicated channels to keep you updated on construction progress and any local impacts.
- Quarterly Newsletter
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Frequently Asked Questions
The UK’s electricity network needs more capacity to handle growing demand, integrate renewable energy and connect with international power sources. Wallend will increase interconnector capacity in the South East (currently just 6GW) helping to balance supply and demand, reduce carbon emissions and enhance the UK’s energy security.
National Grid’s contribution to the NeuConnect project is due to be completed in 2027. Works are being delivered in carefully managed phases to minimise disruption and key milestones will be communicated in advance.
Yes. By enabling more flexible access to international clean energy, Wallend supports a more competitive energy market, helping to stabilise prices and reduce costs for consumers in the long term.
We are working hard to minimise disruption, especially around noise, dust, vehicle access, and road safety. Construction is phased to avoid unnecessary disruption, and regular updates will be shared with residents and businesses.
We are taking proactive steps to manage traffic and keep roads safe. These include designated haul routes, road cleaning, access controls and working with contractors to reduce peak-time activity. Any planned diversions will be clearly communicated.
Noise management plans are in place and include real-time monitoring during high-impact activities. We will communicate ahead of noisier phases of work and respond to any concerns quickly.
We are ensuring local roads remain clean and clear with measures such as road sweeping, vehicle wash-downs and debris control. Access routes are being managed to minimise disruption and protect pedestrian safety.
We provide regular updates via a dedicated WhatsApp channel, community newsletters, and social media. Site visits and local briefings are also being offered to councillors and community representatives. You can contact us at any time via our project inbox [email protected] or the Freephone number [insert].
We are planning stakeholder visits and opportunities for the local community to observe progress from a designated viewing platform. These activities are part of our commitment to open, transparent communication throughout the construction period.