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 will be essential to connect new sources of renewable energy, manage power flows on the network and support future demand. 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 play a significant part in meeting the UK Government’s plans to power all homes and businesses with green energy by 2030 ensuring our electricity network is fit for the future.
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) and Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4) or Grimsby to Walpole. Please be assured we are working closely with our colleagues on these projects to minimise disruption to local communities.
What we are proposing
The Walpole Substation expansion involves the construction of new infrastructure in and around the existing substation footprint.
We have permitted development rights to deliver some of the work needed for this project, whilst other parts of the project will require planning permission. The new infrastructure will facilitate new connections to our network, including renewable energy sources, and will support future demand.
We held a public consultation for the project in May/June 2024, where we held a mix of online and in person events to allow residents and other interested parties to provide feedback on our proposals. We have considered all feedback received and have planned mitigation measures around feedback received. The project team are currently preparing the submission of a planning application for the western extension to the substation, expected in June 2026.
NGET is developing plans regarding the management of vehicles coming to our substation, which aims to limit impacts felt by the surrounding community. These measures and procedures will be discussed and agreed with the Local Authority through a Construction Traffic Management Plan.
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 project to be in scope of the new guidance, and this means that the project is expected 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.
Permitted development
Permitted development works include building the infrastructure required to connect external developers to Walpole Substation, in line with the connection agreements National Grid has previously granted. Under our license to operate, we have a legal obligation to connect companies to our network when a connection is requested.
Verdant Energy and Conrad Energy have existing consent to undertake development at specific areas within the substation, which are indicated on the map below.
What’s happening?
Verdant Energy
Verdant Energy will be preparing the substation for the delivery of a 60MVA transformer that will allow them to connect their Solar Farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) to the electricity grid.
Conrad Energy
Conrad Energy is constructing new Synchronous Condensers (SCs) as part of its energy infrastructure project located adjacent to the Walpole Substation. SCs are large rotating generators that helps manage the flow of electricity and improves voltage regulation. To facilitate these new connections for Conrad Energy's Synchronous Condenser project, National Grid will be constructing a new user bay inside the substation compound.
If you would like further information on Verdant and Conrad Energy, please visit their dedicated websites to contact them directly.
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
