Work is underway on Grain to Tilbury, where we’re building a new tunnel under the Thames and upgrading overhead lines between Grain, Kingsnorth and Tilbury.
What is happening?
A new tunnel beneath the River Thames, replacing the current 1960s cable tunnel between Tilbury and Gravesend, which carries high-voltage electricity cables and is nearing the end of its operational life.
Upgrades to existing overhead lines between Tilbury, Kingsnorth and the Isle of Grain. This will increase capacity so more electricity can be transported across the network.
Why is it happening?
By upgrading the tunnel and overhead lines, more power can be transported from where it is generated to where it is needed.
The project is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations.
This will help to ensure secure, cleaner and home-grown energy from more affordable sources flows through the network.
Latest update
Tunnel breakthrough achieved 49 days ahead of schedule
Caroline, our tunnel boring machine, has completed her 2.2km journey beneath the River Thames between Tilbury and Gravesend, marking a major milestone for the Grain to Tilbury project and finishing an impressive 49 days ahead of schedule.
The breakthrough completes the tunnel drive beneath one of the UK's busiest waterways and brings us a step closer to replacing the existing Thames Cable Tunnel, which was built in the 1960s and is nearing the end of its operational life.
Mark Farmer, Project Director, explains: "This is a fantastic achievement and a major milestone for the project. Everyone involved has worked together to deliver an exceptional performance safely and efficiently, helping us reach this important milestone sooner than anticipated.
"This project will play a critical role in strengthening the electricity network and supporting Britain's future energy needs as demand for cleaner electricity continues to grow."
The project will now move into its next phase, including removing the tunnel boring machine, completing work within the shafts and headhouses, and preparing for the installation of new high-voltage cables.
A huge thank you to our project teams, delivery partners, stakeholders and local communities for their continued support as we move into the next chapter of the project.
Breakthrough facts:
- 2.2 km tunnelled beneath the River Thames
- over 10,000 concrete tunnel segments have been installed to create the tunnel lining
- more than 16,000 tunnel rings have been constructed during the tunnel drive
- over 40,000m3 of chalk has been excavated during construction, most will now be reused at The Port of Tilbury.
Watch Caroline complete her journey and breakthrough 49 days ahead of schedule.
Building Grain to Tilbury
Watch our short video to find out more about what we need to do to replace the tunnel under the River Thames.
Project timeline
Jan - Apr 2025
Planning applications approved and sites set up in Tilbury and Gravesend
Oct 25 - Mar 26
Tunnel works begin at Tilbury and Gravesend
Apr - Oct 2026
Overhead lines works underway
Nov 2026
Main tunnel drive complete
2028
Works complete
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Contact us:
- Email at [email protected]
- Call us on 020 3398 1599
- Write to us at Freepost Grain to Tilbury project
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The Great Grid Upgrade
The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. Our infrastructure projects across England and Wales are helping to connect more renewable energy to your homes and businesses.