National Grid operates one of the safest, most efficient and reliable energy networks in the world, and has a critical role to play in the decarbonisation of the economy to reach net zero. An industry structure that enables long-term, holistic thinking and allows the Electricity System Operator to take on new roles as part of the energy transition is an important step in the market and regulatory reform necessary to deliver the clean energy transition in a timely, fair and affordable way.
Woolavington Village Primary School, East Brent CofE Academy and East and West Huntspill Academy pupils were amongst the first to present their completed capsules to National Grid engineers last week and learn about how the T-pylons will be constructed.
The local scout group had recently rebuilt their community hut with a donation provided by The Kathleen Jones Family Trust. However, the group lacked the funds needed to renovate the area outside, leaving the young scouts with no usable outdoor space. This meant that outdoor community events could not go ahead and the children had no dedicated space to play in the fresh air.
National Grid has contracted the company to run the electric bus on a dedicated service for employees. The bus will operate a return service between Leamington Spa town centre, the train station, and National Grid’s site at Warwick Technology Park, in the morning, lunch time and afternoon.
Work started in Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve in April this year to replace pylons to the east of the WPD substation with underground cables and to make changes to the substation. To safely install the cable ducts, through which we’ll pull the new underground cables, we needed to close Wharf Lane.
National Grid has been supporting the Wirral Barn Owl Trust by allowing nesting boxes to be installed in secure locations at Capenhurst Substation near Chester. The substation has been offering a safe location for nesting barn owls and other birds including kestrels, away from predators and the elements since 1999.
Infrastructure developed by NEP – which comprises BP, Equinor, Eni, National Grid, Shell and Total – will transport and securely store emissions from Humber and Teesside, which account for nearly 50% of CO2 emissions from all UK industrial clusters.
Substations contain specialist equipment that changes electricity from very high voltages to lower voltages, so that it can then be distributed to businesses and homes. As part of the Hinkley Connection Project, we’re building two substations to support the network.
The ground at the site of a new substation will be levelled to provide a flat and stable surface before the foundations are excavated and concrete is poured in.
The substation structures will be assembled and fixed to the foundations.
The TBM was named ‘Christine’ after guest of honour at the event, Christine Townley. Christine, who formally inaugurated the machine, was chosen for her role as a distinguished figure in the construction industry.
The week-long initiative, which runs from 5 - 9 July, will provide pupils with an unrivalled insight into the energy sector, an industry that needs to fill 400,000 roles by 2050 if the UK is to reach its net zero target. The programme will also inspire students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in STEM, something which might have previously seemed unattainable to them.