The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, and we are transitioning to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure forms of energy like new offshore windfarms.
The Government has set a commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has an ambition to connect 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 – enough to power every home in the country.
This means we need to make changes to the network of pylons, cables and substations that transport electricity around the country, so that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources.
Our existing substation at Norwich Main has been in service for around 50 years. The time has now come when we need to extend the site to enable new sources of electricity generation to connect into the grid, including the Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm, and the Equinor Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon wind farm extensions.
We are carrying out the following work:
- a western extension, which will extend the substation by five hectares. Construction on this site started in October 2024
- an eastern extension, which will be built on existing National Grid land. Construction for this started in summer 2024
- a small upgrade of existing equipment, extending into existing National Grid land just north of the existing substation, known as ‘Grid Park’.
Further information on the works, a map, and visualisations showing the eastern and western extensions can be seen below.
Norwich Main substation is located approximately 3 miles south of the city of Norwich, to the west of the A140 and south of the A47. The village of Dunston is to the west, and Swardeston to the east.
The western extension will be approximately five hectares in size, similar to the existing substation. The eastern extension will be up to one hectare in size.
No additional overhead lines or pylons will be required as part of the project. Three existing 132 kV pylons located to the south of the substation will be removed and replaced with a short section of underground cable to enable the extension.
Work started at the Grid Park in April 2024 and all construction work is expected to be completed by 2028.
Construction traffic is using the existing site access from Mangreen Lane. Within the site, a new temporary access road has been built, in addition to the existing road.
The substation is separate to our proposals for the Norwich to Tilbury project. It is needed to connect the Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm, and the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farm extensions. It would also facilitate the connection of Norwich to Tilbury, should that project be consented.
It would also facilitate the connection of Norwich to Tilbury, should that project receive Development Consent. The Norwich to Tilbury project has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination. For more information on the project, and how to get involved in examination, please visit the Planning Inspectorates website, here.
Yes, the substation extensions would still be required to connect new offshore wind generation.
Contact Us
Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments on the Norwich Main Substation extension.
Phone number: 0800 138 2831
Website: nationalgrid.com/norwichsubstation
Email: [email protected]
Freepost: Freepost NORWICH MAIN SUBSTATION