United Kingdom, London: Britain is preparing for one of its largest electricity grid expansions in decades, with more than $200 B (£150 B) of transmission investment expected through 2041.
The National Energy System Operator estimates that around $86 B (£64 B) will be required for transmission projects by 2030, with a further $120 B (£89 B) needed beyond that. More than 6,400 km (4,000 mi) of new power lines are expected, alongside upgrades to existing infrastructure.
A key driver is the rapid growth of renewable generation, particularly in Scotland, where wind capacity has expanded faster than the transmission system. This has created bottlenecks that prevent some renewable electricity from reaching demand centres further south.
Major projects include the Eastern Green Links, a series of subsea connections designed to increase transfer capacity between Scotland and England. The first two links are under construction and are expected to provide 4 GW of transmission capacity when completed.
Further reinforcement is also planned along England’s east coast, where offshore wind and new generation are increasing pressure on the network. Projects include Sea Link, a proposed 145-km (90-mi) subsea cable between Suffolk and Kent, as well as new transmission corridors from Norwich to Tilbury and Grimsby to Walpole.
The expansion is intended to reduce grid constraints, improve energy security and allow more renewable generation to reach consumers. However, the scale of investment will increase network costs in the short term.
National Grid said the upgrade programme is also expected to support jobs, skills and supply chains across Britain.
Source: The Guardian
