Reg 19 Publication Plan – Main Modification Document

Representations on behalf of National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)

National Grid Electricity Transmission has appointed Fisher German LLP to review and respond to local planning authority Development Plan Document consultations on its behalf. We are instructed by our client to submit the following representation with regard to the current consultation on the above document.

About National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)

National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) owns and maintains the electricity transmission system in England and Wales. NGET manage not only today’s highly complex network but also to enable the electricity system of tomorrow. Their work involves building and maintaining the electricity transmission network – safely, reliably and efficiently. NGET connect sources of electricity generation to the network and transport it onwards to the distribution system so it can reach homes and businesses.

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) are the electricity distribution division of National Grid and are separate from National Grid Electricity Transmission’s core regulated businesses. Please also consult with NGED separately from NGET.

National Grid no longer owns or operates the high-pressure gas transmission system across the UK. This is the responsibility of National Gas Transmission, which is a separate entity and must be consulted independently.

National Grid Ventures (NGV) develop, operate and invest in energy projects, technologies, and partnerships to help accelerate the development of a clean energy future for consumers across the UK, Europe and the United States. NGV is separate from National Grid’s core regulated businesses. Please also consult with NGV separately from NGET.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has taken over the electricity and gas network planning responsibility from National Grid Electricity System Operator Limited (NGESO) as of 1st October 2024. Please also consult with NESO separately from NGET.

New Infrastructure

Currently there are no known new infrastructure interactions within the area, however demand for electricity is expected to rise as the way NGET power our homes, businesses and transport changes. As the nation moves towards net zero, the fossil fuels that once powered the economy will be replaced with sources of low-carbon electricity, such as offshore wind farms.

The UK Government has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out. Decarbonising the energy system is vital to this aim.

NGET’s infrastructure projects in England and Wales will support the country’s energy transition and make sure the grid is ready to connect to more and more sources of low carbon electricity generated in Britain.

The way NGET generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, and NGET are transitioning to cheaper, cleaner and more secure forms of renewable energy such as new offshore windfarms. NGET need to make changes to the network of overhead lines, pylons, cables and other infrastructure that transports electricity around the country, so that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources. These changes include a need to increase the capability of the electricity transmission system between the North and the Midlands, and between the Midlands and the South. It is also needed to facilitate the connection of proposed new offshore wind, and subsea connections between England and Scotland, and between the UK and other countries across the North Sea.

Accordingly, we request that the Council is cognisant of the above.