Work begins on new substations in Bedfordshire
UK, Biggleswade: National Grid and UK Power Networks (UKPN) are collaborating on new electrical infrastructure in Bedfordshire.
Image source: National Grid
UK, Biggleswade: National Grid and UK Power Networks (UKPN) are collaborating on new electrical infrastructure in Bedfordshire.
The project is part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s initiative to support planned housing growth of around 3,000 homes to the east of the town. A traditional ‘breaking the ground’ event marked work starting on National Grid’s 400 kV substation and UK Power Networks’ new grid substation, which will increase power capacity in Biggleswade and help the community move towards a low carbon economy.
The National Grid compound for a 400 kV substation will measure approximately 150 m by 130 m and have a maximum height of 15 m to connect to the existing overhead power lines. The UK Power Networks compound (Biggleswade East Grid), will have a footprint of approximately 180 m by 100 m and a maximum height of 9 m.
“We invest around $1.2 B (£1 B) each year in the electricity transmission system, delivering the fastest decarbonising electricity network in the world with world-class reliability. We are delighted to be a part of this project, connecting and increasing power capacity to Biggleswade, supporting investment in the town and enabling a secure supply of electricity to the area for the decades to come,” said Mark Beasley project director for National Grid.
Central Bedfordshire Council secured $85.3 M (£70 M) of government funding via Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund for a number of schemes, including this power project. Construction works of the National Grid 400 kV substation are expected to take approximately two years to complete with energisation planned in late 2024.
The project is one part of National Grid’s wider investment in the transmission system in England and Wales, including; major projects to connect increasing amounts of offshore wind generation along the East Coast, the Hinkley Connection project, a $1.1 B (£900 M) investment to connect low carbon energy to six million homes in the South West, and London Power Tunnels, a $1.2 B (£1 B) project building 30 km of tunnels to ‘rewire’ London and future proof it’s electricity supply for decades to come.
Source: National Grid
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