National Grid has appointed nine firms to facilitate community engagement for its 17 Great Grid Upgrade projects, crucial for enhancing Britain’s electricity infrastructure.
- The projects aim to rewire the electricity transmission system, with potential impacts on local communities acknowledged by National Grid.
- Firms will support National Grid’s strategic infrastructure project by consulting residents and stakeholders during planning and construction.
- The engagement framework, active until 2027, includes work on projects beyond the Great Grid Upgrade.
- National Grid underscores the importance of overhead lines despite local opposition, as they are cost-effective and less environmentally impactful.
The National Grid has strategically enlisted nine expert firms to assist in community engagement related to its expansive 17 Great Grid Upgrade projects. These projects are pivotal in upgrading and rewiring Great Britain’s electricity transmission system, marking a significant stride in energy infrastructure advancement.
Recognising the substantial impact these upgrades might have on local communities, National Grid has tasked firms like Aecom, Arup, and others to involve community consultations and stakeholder dialogues throughout the project’s progression. This initiative is not only a part of the consenting and construction phases but also integral to the planning stages.
Operating under a newly established framework, which is effective until 2027 with a potential extension, these companies will also manage community relations for other projects outside the parameters of the Great Grid Upgrade.
Tom McGarry, National Grid’s deputy director for external affairs, reiterated the company’s commitment to community consultation by stating that the infrastructure upgrade is unavoidable for connecting new electricity sources, predominantly offshore wind energy, to the grid.
Despite local dissent concerning the aesthetic implications of pylons, McGarry defended the necessity of overhead high-voltage transmission cables, arguing their economic and environmental superiority over alternatives. The discussion extends to Suffolk County Council’s opposition to the Norwich to Tilbury overhead line project, citing the need for potentially pricier offshore solutions.
Amidst these developments, the Great Grid Partnership includes Aecom Arup JV and WSP as design and consenting partners, while construction partners consist of Laing O’Rourke and others. This extensive collaboration underlines the determined approach towards achieving climate objectives through reliable transmission infrastructure.
Many projects under the Great Grid Upgrade fall within the accelerated strategic transmission investment framework, driven by Ofgem. These initiatives, designed to expedite offshore wind energy integration, highlight National Grid’s proactive stance in adapting to the impending energy transition.
National Grid’s collaborative efforts highlight its dedication to upgrading Britain’s electricity infrastructure while addressing community concerns.
