The final proposals to build two new electricity substations as part of an electricity grid have been revealed.
National Grid is looking to build two new such structures at separate sites at Weston Marsh.
It has now revealed it wants to put Weston Marsh A, which would connect to the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm, east of Marsh Road near Surfleet Seas End close to existing overhead lines.
It would also be part of the proposed Walpole to Grimsby overhead line set-up.
Weston Marsh Substation B, for the proposed new East Leicestershire overhead lines, would be north of Stone Gate and east of Marsh Road near the Moulton Seas End junction.
National Grid says both would be comprised of Air Insulated Switchgear, which means most of the equipment would be outdoors.
The 400kv substation A’s tallest equipment would be 12.5 metres high ‘with overhead gantries 15 metres high’ on a 10.6 hectare site, the consultation documents state.
It would be built in two phases, first to connect the Outer Dowsing and then to complete the proposed Grimsby to Walpole overhead lines.
Substation B would be smaller at 8.4 hectares with similarly size infrastructure and would include ‘further connection points for solar, battery storage and other energy projects’.
There were initially three sites considered, but one was deemed too close to the listed building Wykeham Chapel and the other would need a watercourse to be diverted.
National Grid is seeking permission to build the substations, which would be connected by an underground cable, in two different phases.
If successful, it hopes to start the first phase of substation A by 2028 for completion two years later, and the whole project then operational by 2033.
“Both sites have been carefully sited to avoid local constraints, including a pumping station and a gas pipeline, and will include new planting and landscaping to reduce visual impact,” a spokesman for National Grid said.
“Electricity demand in the UK, and in Lincolnshire is expected to double by 2050 and the existing network cannot accommodate the growth.
“The proposed substations will help connect cleaner, homegrown energy from more affordable sources to the grid while supporting jobs and investment in the region.”
A new consultation on the substations has been launched and will run until 11.59pm on Friday, December 19.
Two consultation sessions are taking place this week. They are at Weston Village Hall from 2pm to 7pm on Friday, November 28, and at Moulton Seas End Village Hall from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, November 29.
An online webinar open to all is taking place from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 3.
Copies of the proposals are also in Spalding and Long Sutton public libraries.
Ben Ridgeon, project director for the Grimsby to Walpole line said: We’re grateful to everyone who has already shared their feedback during earlier stages of consultation.
“As we have developed our proposals in more detail it’s important that we listen to local people’s views.
“The substations are a vital part of the infrastructure needed to connect new sources of homegrown energy, helping to secure Lincolnshire’s energy supply and supporting investment and growth in the region.”
For more information and to have your say visit https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade/grimsby-to-walpole
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