As preparations for phase two of the project gather pace, the team has been out in the community, hosting a series of events designed to keep local residents informed. From pop-up events along the Grand Union Canal, to a drop-in event at Queens Park Court Community Hall and an online webinar, these events have created valuable opportunities for local residents, and commuters to learn more about the project and planned diversions, ask questions, and share feedback.
Before a storm
To make sure our service remains reliable, we have robust plans in place for a variety of situations, which are regularly reviewed and shared with regulators. We patrol and evaluate our equipment on a regular basis and invest millions annually in upgrading our infrastructure, including poles, wires, tree trimming and substations.
Throughout the year, we conduct tests to prepare for potential weather events and work with a weather forecasting vendor who provide forecasts and are available to brief us at any time.
The Hinkley Connection Project has achieved a significant milestone with the upgrade of 17km of overhead electricity lines between Shurton and Bridgwater from 275kV to 400kV. Since 2018, National Grid Electricity Transmission has been constructing a new high voltage electricity connection between Bridgwater and Seabank, near Avonmouth. This extensive project includes overhead electricity lines, lattice pylons and T-pylons, two new substations at Shurton and Sandford, and 8.5km of cables under the Mendip Hills National Landscape.
Somerset Wildlife Trust has used its £16, 589 community grant to invest in essential equipment, including a chipper, chainsaws, and protective gear for scrub clearance.
With the improved equipment, scrub clearance on the reserve is now faster, more cost-effective, and less labour-intensive. It allows the team to maintain the reserve more efficiently while freeing up volunteers for other critical restoration work. Since buying the new gear, the Trust has successfully cleared over 2,000 square metres of scrub and trees from ditches and watercourses at the Reserve.
National Grid has backed the opening of a new community café in Bristol, which aims to support ex-offenders and reduce reoffending rates across the South West. As part of the Hinkley Connection Project’s Adult Skills Programme, local charity The Key Unlock Potential were awarded with £100,000 in funding to bring the initiative to life.
Working in collaboration with Bath Demolition, the dismantled bridge will be given a new lease of life. It is being repurposed for other projects to reduce environmental impact and ensure that materials are not wasted.
The project is part of a series of circuit upgrades taking place across the country which aim to speed up connections to the electricity transmission network and support a secure, affordable and clean energy system. The project does not involve replacing, moving or building any new pylons.
The work demonstrates National Grid’s continued investment in its network across Wales, with £3.2bn of investment planned between 2026-2031 to maintain, upgrade and develop the network.