Like much of the high voltage electricity transmission network across the country, the network between the North and the Midlands was largely built in the 1960s. It was designed to connect in-land, large coal-fired power stations and nuclear power stations in the North and Midlands areas. Little or no transmission infrastructure was constructed in some areas, so there is currently limited ability to support connections on the coast. Today, power still flows largely north to south on this part of the network.
The UK Government has set targets of 50 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 and up to 140 GW by 2050. There is particular growth forecast in offshore wind capacity in Scotland and the North East of England, as well as interconnectors to and from European power grids. This will put pressure on the existing network, such that reinforcement of the network in the Midlands region has been identified as necessary to secure the operation of the transmission system and ensure reliable, economic long-term supply.
It is anticipated that the network between the North of England and the Midlands needs to be capable of transferring around 31 GW of electricity by 2035, compared to the 11.6 GW that it can transfer today.
Some of the existing network in the centre of the country operates at 275 kV, which limits its capacity. The Brinsworth to High Marnham project is a series of works that will reinforce the network in this area through new substations, which enable electricity to be transported at different voltages, and upgrading some of the existing overhead electricity lines from 275 kV to 400 kV. This will provide the necessary increased capacity of the electricity transmission network between South Yorkshire and the North Midlands area.
The development of the three new substations will also assist in rationalising this part of the transmission system to improve operational flexibility, to meet localised demand and to address anticipated customer connections in each location.
Where is the project?
The Brinsworth to High Marnham project involves building three new substations – one near Brinsworth, in Rotherham in South Yorkshire; one near Chesterfield in Derbyshire and a third in High Marnham, near Normanton on Trent in Nottinghamshire - to enable us to uprate the existing electricity transmission network from the existing 275 kV overhead lines to 400 kV. This will help carry more green power from the North of England to the Midlands.
Our public consultation
In summer 2024, we undertook an extensive consultation with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders, and we'd like to thank everyone for their views. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape our proposals and finalise our three separate planning applications.
You can find information about the Brinsworth to High Marnham project on this page.
Get in touch
Do you have questions about the project? Or would you like to register your interest for us to keep in touch? Contact our Community Relations Team:
Email: [email protected]
Freephone: 0800 073 1047 Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm (An answering service is in place outside of these times)
Write to us: FREEPOST National Grid Projects (JBP) (no stamp or additional address information required)
You can also register your details to receive email updates on the project:
If you think our proposals could affect your land, please contact the Brinsworth to High Marnham Land Referencing Team at Ardent. You can call 0203 693 2500 or email [email protected] Alternatively, you can write to Ardent, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DE.