National Grid is assessing the possibility of expediting the development of two significant power cable projects, aiming to support the UK government’s commitment to establishing a clean electricity system by 2030. The FTSE 100 company is considering whether to advance the timeline for a 114-mile (184km) power line from Tilbury, Essex, to Norwich, initially scheduled for construction in 2027, with operations commencing in 2031 to transmit electricity from offshore wind farms.
Additionally, National Grid is evaluating the acceleration of the Sea Link project, which involves 90 miles (145 km) of undersea cables expected to make landfall at two locations—near Sandwich in Kent and between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh in Suffolk. This move comes as the company anticipates securing government approval by 2026, despite facing significant opposition from local communities and environmental groups. Critics are particularly concerned about the potential environmental impact, including the loss of historic landscapes and significant tree cover due to the construction of 50-meter-high pylons along the Norwich-Tilbury line, as well as potential damage to coastal ecosystems from the Sea Link project.
John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, highlighted in a discussion with the Guardian the critical nature of these projects for meeting the UK’s clean energy objectives. Following a report from the system operator, which labeled the power line as “critical,” the company is exploring options to deliver these projects approximately a year ahead of schedule. “The projects we are working on are the right projects to progress. We are now looking at our supply chains and contractors to see whether they can be delivered a year earlier,” Pettigrew stated.
The urgency to accelerate these projects was echoed by the National Energy System Operator (Neso), recently established as a separate entity from National Grid. Neso has advised the government that fast-tracking these projects is crucial for fulfilling Labour’s pledge to decarbonize the power system by 2030. According to Neso, delaying these projects could result in a shortfall of about 1.6% from the clean power target by 2030, potentially leading to additional costs of £4.2 billion for consumers.
In its latest financial update, National Grid reported a 26% increase in underlying pre-tax profit to £1.44 billion for the six months ending on 30 September. Pettigrew also commented on the prospective collaboration with the incoming [Trump] administration in the US, noting that the new policies are expected to have “no significant impact” on the company’s ongoing plans to expand power grid infrastructure in the northeastern United States.
