National Grid: Pylons

The country faces a significant challenge in managing grid development while ensuring renewable energy can be effectively connected and delivered to areas where it is needed. There is an estimated 64% increase in electricity demand by 2035, necessitating extensive grid expansion both onshore and offshore. Undergrounding should be reconsidered as a viable option with proper cost-benefit analysis.

I chair a group of MPs campaigning for an offshore electricity transmission system instead of the Norwich-to-Tilbury plan, backed by 32,000 people. We aim to maximise green electricity use in London while minimising costs and environmental impact. The current proposal is flawed and not aligned with national interests, necessitating further modelling to resolve issues.

I agree with my hon. Friend that we need more clarity and transparency from National Grid. Too many constituents feel this is a fait accompli, but meaningful consultations should preserve democratic consent.

The MP expressed frustration with the opacity of the process involving Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and the ESO, highlighting a disconnect between their objectives and local concerns. He pointed out that Scotland generates 11.4 GW from wind and is connected to England by a 6 GW interconnector, emphasizing the mismatch between transmission capacity and generating capacity. The MP urged for stakeholder engagement, proper planning, and consideration of alternative solutions such as undergrounding or offshoring due to environmental concerns in sensitive areas like Strathmore. He argued that the cost-benefit analysis needs to include societal and environmental costs. Mr Doogan questioned the minister's logic, arguing that while subsea transmission is possible, energy still needs to travel on land for a significant portion of its journey from Aberdeen to Carlisle. He pointed out that this issue involves transmitting power down half the length of Great Britain and argued it is inconsistent with the minister's earlier logic.

James Wild expressed concern over the National Grid's Grimsby to Walpole link and eastern green links proposals, highlighting issues such as the visual impact of pylons on landscapes, disruption to communities, and potential threats to protected sites. He mentioned that nearly 100 miles of new pylons are proposed and suggested considering improvements to existing lines, which would be less intrusive and more cost-effective.

Mr. Stone expressed concern about the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' approach to pylons in the north of Scotland, highlighting meetings with up to 200 constituents who are opposed to the project. He questioned why only one subsea cable is being laid when more could be done simultaneously, noting examples from Wales where undergrounding has been successful. Mr. Stone suggested that the Scottish Government should consider using its planning powers to pause and reassess the proposal. I am concerned that offering communities something in exchange for accepting pylons is not a solution. Such deals are ineffective and do not address the underlying issues.

The MP argued against the necessity of pylons, highlighting competing necessities such as preserving unique landscapes for migrating birds. He also emphasised the beauty of open fens and criticised National Grid's cost calculations as underestimating compensation and environmental damage. Inquired about the consistency of Government's policy regarding flat lands such as the fens, suggesting they should be protected in relation to onshore wind structures similar to what has been discussed.

Diolch yn fawro, Mrs Latham. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute under your chairmanship. Jonathan Edwards acknowledges the need for increased energy security and climate change realities but highlights significant challenges in his constituency due to four proposed distribution and transmission routes, including 132 kV Green GEN Cymru route along the Towy valley, another from Ceredigion through Teifi valley, a 132 kV National Grid Electricity Distribution proposed route along the Cothi valley, and a 400 kV National Grid route linking north and south Wales. He expresses concern over Ofgem's lack of engagement and calls for UK Government Ministers to engage with Welsh Government studies on undergrounding technologies. Communities in Ceredigion are concerned about the proposed new pylon line's impact on the environment and property values, despite their contribution to decarbonisation efforts. A just transition is needed to balance these concerns with urgent infrastructure upgrades. A cable ploughing technique by ATP can reduce costs and environmental impacts compared to traditional pylons.

The Welsh Labour Government have opened a review and instructed an independent advisory body to look into the potential of underground cabling, suggesting that Wales has a more comprehensive view on these issues. Welsh Labour supports the transition to renewable energy but is concerned about the impact of pylons on natural beauty and agricultural land. Nia Griffith calls for more investment in grid infrastructure, consideration of underground cabling alternatives, and a preference for methods that align with community needs.

Congratulates the hon. Member for securing the debate, expressing concern over National Grid's lack of clarity and transparency in presenting information to constituents about proposed pylons routes.

Ms Coffey expressed the need for a reliable grid to support renewable energy infrastructure, advocating for placing such infrastructure closer to demand areas rather than cost-saving measures. She suggested updating technology could reduce infrastructure needs and proposed a moratorium on new connections until a strategic spatial plan is in place next year. She also called for transparency in assessments by the national energy system operator.

Virginia Crosbie expressed concerns about the impact of pylons on Ynys Môn and Welsh agriculture and tourism, highlighting the need for a transparent planning process. She welcomed government initiatives such as the connections action plan and investment in nuclear projects like Wylfa, but urged for faster upgrades to the national grid to avoid delays until 2038.

The electricity demand is expected to nearly triple by 2050, necessitating significant upgrades in the national grid infrastructure. The speaker stressed that these upgrades must prioritise environmental protection and community benefits. She highlighted Professor Chris Baines' visual impact programme which aims at reducing the visual impact of overhead power lines, noting its success in several protected landscapes. Concerns were raised about the costs associated with onshore connections versus offshore solutions. National Grid's current approach might be causing network capacity issues leading to consumer cost increases from £806 million in 2020 to an expected £2.5 billion by 2025. In an intervention, Wera Hobhouse raises concerns that developers will invest in other countries if they face difficulties investing in renewable projects in the UK due to infrastructure challenges. National Grid should recognise that objections increase costs because of longer timelines and cost escalation.