Council welcomes review which could reduce the need for electricity pylons

The ESO East Anglia Network Study, published today (12 March 2024) by The National Grid Electricity System Operator, was set up to explore if there were better ways to connect offshore wind in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.

It has found potential ways to reduce the need for pylon lines across the three counties - but these options are likely to have additional impact on communities and landscapes in east Suffolk.

The review could have implications for the Norwich to Tilbury proposal, which would consist of around 158 kilometres of new overhead line supported by 520 pylons, along with four sections of underground cabling, some of which would run through the Dedham Vale National Landscape.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Finance, said:

“Greater clarity around what might be possible to remove, or markedly reduce, the impact of pylons in Suffolk is very welcome. It is now critical that National Grid take these findings into consideration as they continue planning their Great Grid Upgrade, which includes the Norwich to Tilbury project - a project around which we have huge concerns.

“It is very disappointing that more energy developers did not take part in the voluntary offshore coordination support scheme. As a result, potential coordination, which reduces pylons in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, could lead to greater impacts in east Suffolk”.

The options for the coordination of offshore wind projects could support a scheme to transform the Norwich to Tilbury pylon line into two offshore links between Norwich and Tilbury.

However, the coordination between Sea Link (the proposed offshore link between Suffolk and Kent) and two offshore wind farms, would be likely to require additional cabling and another five-hectare converter station in East Suffolk.