Norwich Main substation extension
The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, and we are transitioning to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure forms of energy like new offshore windfarms.
The Government has set a commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has an ambition to connect 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 – enough to power every home in the country.
This means we need to make changes to the network of pylons, cables and substations that transport electricity around the country, so that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources.
Our existing substation at Norwich Main has been in service for around 50 years. The time has now come when we need to extend the site to enable new sources of electricity generation to connect into the grid, including the Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm, the Equinor Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon wind farm extensions.
Three sets of works are planned to be undertaken at the site:
- a western extension, which will extend the substation by 5 hectares. Construction on this site started in October 2024
- an eastern extension, which will be built on existing National Grid land. Construction for this started in summer 2024
- a small upgrade of existing equipment, extending into existing National Grid land just north of the existing substation, known as ‘Grid Park’.
Further information on each of the above works, a map, and visualisations showing the eastern and western extensions can be seen below.
Norwich Main substation is located approximately 3 miles south of the city of Norwich, to the west of the A140 and south of the A47. The village of Dunston is to the west, and Swardeston to the east.
The western extension will be approximately 5 hectares in size, similar to the existing substation. The eastern extension will be up to a hectare in size.
No additional overhead lines or pylons will be required as part of the project. Three existing 132 kV pylons located to the south of the substation will be removed and replaced with a short section of underground cable to enable the extension.
Work on site for the Grid Park development, located to the north of the existing substation on National Grid land, started in early April 2024.
Construction started on the western extension in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Construction traffic will use the existing site access from Mangreen Lane. Within the site, a new temporary access road will be built, in addition to the existing road.
The majority of this temporary new road will be constructed as part of the Grid Park development. The short remaining section will be built as part of any planning approval for the substation extension.
The extension of the substation is separate to our proposals for the Norwich to Tilbury project, which is proposed to connect into Norwich Main. The substation extension is needed to connect the Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm, and the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farm extensions. It would also facilitate the connection of Norwich to Tilbury, should that project be consented.
Yes, the substation extensions would still be required to connect new offshore wind generation.
Contact Us
Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments on the Norwich Main Substation extension.
Phone number: 0800 138 2831
Website: nationalgrid.com/norwichsubstation
Email: [email protected]
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