Where is the new infrastructure being built?  

We are proposing roughly 60 km of new 400 kV overhead line which would run east to west from the infrastructure at Weston Marsh substation(s) (part of the separate Grimsby to Walpole project) to a proposed new substation near Wartnaby in Leicestershire.

The new line would pass through two new 400 kV substations:

• WMEL-A near Corby Glen, Lincolnshire
• WMEL-B near Wartnaby, Leicestershire
   

Image

Substations are an essential component in the energy network, connecting sources of generation, such as wind farms and power stations. They connect overhead and underground circuits and can connect nearby utility systems. Substations manage electricity flows within the network, which can include connection and disconnection of circuits to direct the flow, transform voltages to higher or lower ratings, manage the frequency of the electricity and increase efficiency and reliability of the power supply. You can find out more about substations here.

Where is the reconductoring happening? 

As part of the Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire proposals, we are also upgrading (reconductoring) - approximately 55 km of the existing 400 kV overhead line from the new substation near Wartnaby (WMEL-B) to the existing Grendon substation, east of Northampton.

Reconductoring involves replacing pylon fittings and upgrading the conductors (the wires strung between pylons). It increases the amount of electricity that can be transmitted over the existing lines by using more efficient conductors that generally operate at higher temperatures and carry more power. 
 

Why is this happening?

Demand for electricity in the UK is forecast to increase and more home-grown electricity is being generated off the coast of Scotland and England. We need to make sure the grid has the capacity to securely connect and transport these new sources of energy to homes and businesses where it is needed in Lincolnshire, the wider East Midlands and across the country. Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire would transport enough clean, home-grown energy to power up to six million homes.

Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire is a key project in The Great Grid Upgrade, which will strengthen the grid for years to come, facilitating the transition to a clean and affordable energy future. It will also help to deliver a reliable, affordable network that meets the rising demand for electricity.