We are investing in new projects, including Norwich to Tilbury as part of the Great Grid Upgrade. They will connect more home grown, renewable energy from where it is generated to homes and businesses where it is needed.
Norwich to Tilbury would carry more power across Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, supporting economic growth across East Anglia. This project, as part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will increase energy security, protecting homes, business and public services from global price fluctuations, and stopping reliance on imported fossil fuels.
We are proposing to build a new 400 kilovolt electricity transmission connection of approximately 180 kilometres from the Norwich Main substation via Bramford substation, a new East Anglia Connection Node (EACN) Substation and a new Tilbury North Substation.
The need for network reinforcement
The Great Grid Upgrade in East Anglia
The Great Grid Upgrade will play a big part in the UK government’s plan to boost homegrown power. It will help the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future; carrying more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where you need it.
Along with Norwich to Tilbury, National Grid is developing a number of other projects in the region.
Sea Link, an offshore link between Suffolk and Kent. Our application has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate and is currently going through examination.
We also propose to build network reinforcement between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex. Our application for a Development Consent Order was granted by the Secretary of State in September 2024
Refurbishing the existing overhead line
We have carried out essential work to refurbish the existing 400 kV overhead line that runs between our substations at Bramford and Norwich. This included replacing all the fittings and wires between the existing pylons. This work finished in May 2024
Norwich Main substation extension
Planning permission has now been granted to extend the existing Norwich Main electricity substation. This will enable new sources of clean energy to be delivered to homes and businesses.
The extension of the substation is separate to our proposals for the Norwich to Tilbury project. The substation extension is needed to connect the Hornsea project Three offshore wind farm, and the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farm extensions.
The Great Grid Upgrade
The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. Our infrastructure projects across England and Wales are helping to connect more renewable energy to your homes and businesses.