Walpole Substation Expansion is a proposal to upgrade and expand the existing Walpole substation. The project will enable the connection of new renewable energy sources, manage electricity flows across the network and support growing demand for power.
To ensure that everyone can access electricity from renewable sources, we are working to build a cleaner, fairer, and more affordable energy system that serves everyone, and powers the future of our homes, transport and industry.
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About the Walpole Substation Expansion
The Walpole Substation Expansion is required to accommodate new infrastructure at the existing substation. The work is essential to create new connection points for renewable energy developments and uprate capacity for future connections as demand on the electrify network continues to grow. We will also be upgrading the existing technology, which was originally installed when the substation was built in the 1960s.
Our proposals for Walpole Substation are part of The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the grid in generations.
The Great Grid Upgrade will ensure that we can benefit from more secure, cleaner, home-grown energy from more affordable sources. This will provide a catalyst for a green jobs boom and make the UK’s energy system more self-sufficient.
We have permitted development rights to deliver some of the work needed for this project, while other parts of the project require planning permission.
Working with other projects
There are a number of other projects taking place in and around the Walpole area.
Walpole Substation Expansion is not part of Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL3), Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) or Grimsby to Walpole.
We are working closely with colleagues across these projects to minimise disruption to local communities.
Latest update
Following public consultation in May and June 2024, we have reviewed the feedback received and are continuing to finalise our plans. We are currently preparing a planning application for the proposed western extension to Walpole substation, which is expected to be submitted in autumn later this year.
We are developing a traffic management plan which aims to limit impacts felt by the surrounding community. These measures and procedures will be discussed and agreed with the Local Authority.
At the same time, permitted development works are already underway to support customer connections at the substation.
We are currently constructing the new substation platform, installing underground ducts and earthing, and installing electrical equipment. These works form part of the Eastern Extension, which will enable one of our customer connections.
This work began in June 2025 and is expected to continue until May 2027, with the site expected to be fully cleared by July 2027.
Community fund
We believe communities should be rewarded for hosting new transmission infrastructure. Last year, the Government published new guidance for how projects like ours can deliver a positive local legacy. This guidance offers a clear framework and will enable us to work with communities so that meaningful, long-term, social and economic benefits can be delivered.
We expect the Walpole Substation Expansion to have a community benefit fund of £530,000. We will be gathering feedback from the community to ensure that the fund can make a lasting impact in the local area. As the project develops, further information will be shared with the local community.
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 083 3149 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Freepost: WALPOLE SUBSTATION EXPANSION PROJECT (no stamp or further details required)
Website: nationalgrid.com/WalpoleSubstationExpansion
Timeline
