National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and SP Energy Networks are planning to enhance the electricity network with proposals for the Cross Border Connection project.

What is Cross Border Connection?

Cross Border Connection is a proposal to develop a new electricity connection between a location near Lauder in the Scottish Borders and the Carlisle area.

It is designed to both strengthen the electricity network between Scotland and England for increased home-produced renewable energy and connect new proposed onshore windfarms in the Scottish Borders to the network.

Cross Border Connection will contribute to The Great Grid Upgrade. The upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations, ensuring the UK can successfully make the switch to clean, affordable and home-produced energy.

NGET is responsible for developing elements of the project in England and SP Energy Networks for the elements in Scotland.

 

SP Energy Networks’ public consultation

SP Energy Networks is consulting on its early proposals in Scotland from Monday 23 September to Saturday 30 November 2024. The consultation was initially planned to end on Monday 28 October but has been extended.

More information on its proposals and public consultation events can be found on its dedicated consultation webpage.

 

What stage is National Grid at in the development of the project in England?

We are currently in an early stage of development for the English elements of the project, with the types and general locations of new infrastructure in the initial stages of being explored.

In 2025, we plan to hold our first round of public consultation, known as a non-statutory consultation, at which point we will share more detail about the project in England, including the proposed types and general locations of infrastructure.

We’re currently at an earlier stage than SP Energy Networks. Scotland and England have individual consenting regimes, that each have different policy and legal requirements. This has resulted in our differing timelines for public consultation.
 

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Next steps

We plan on holding a first round of public consultation in 2025, at which point we will share more detail about the project in England, including the proposed types and general locations of infrastructure. The public consultation will be publicised in advance of it starting.

If you want updates about the English elements of Cross Border Connection sent directly to your email inbox, sign up for updates via the button above.

 

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