Our proposals
We are proposing to build approximately 60 km of new 400 kV overhead electricity line between Chesterfield and Willington to allow us to carry more energy between the North of England and the Midlands.
The proposed overhead line would connect between a new substation at Chesterfield (being developed and consented as part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham proposals) and the existing Willington substation in Derbyshire.
New pylons and conductors (the overhead electricity lines) would be installed throughout the proposed area (known as the Emerging Preferred Corridor) between the two connection substations. These steel lattice pylons are typically 50 metres in height, with approximately three pylons located per kilometre on a straight section of the route, slightly more in places. Modifications to the wider transmission system and local electricity distribution networks would also be required to facilitate construction of the new transmission connection where it crosses existing lower voltage overhead lines.
Project programme
4 May - 17 September 2024
Stage 1 (non-statutory) public consultation
Autumn/Winter 2025
Stage 2 (statutory) public consultation
2026
DCO application submission
2028
Construction starts
After 2031
Fully operational
How we identified connecting at Chesterfield to Willington
National Grid only develops new infrastructure where the existing transmission system cannot be further upgraded to meet systems security standards, where increases in demand cannot be satisfied by other means or where customer connections are required. We also consider our duties under the Electricity Act 1989, which require us to develop proposals that are efficient, coordinated and economical, and which have regard to people, the location, and the environment.
We evaluated ten potential options that could provide additional transmission capability – our substation connection points. Our Strategic Options Report explains in detail how we have considered a range of technical, environmental, community, programme and cost factors to determine the most suitable strategic connection point options to take forward.
Our Emerging Preferred Corridor
Our Emerging Preferred Corridor was split into six sections to make it easier to give feedback about particular areas. This is indicated by the black line boundary and outlines the proposed area within which the transmission system (overhead electricity line and pylons) could be routed. Darker shaded areas signify where infrastructure placement could potentially be more appropriate within the corridor - this is known as the 'graduated swathe'.
Section 1 - Chesterfield to Stretton
Section 2 - Stretton to Ripley
Section 4 - Morley to Ockbrook
Section 5 - Ockbrook to Aston-on-Trent
Section 6 - Aston-on-Trent to Willington
Interactive map
You can use our interactive map to input your postcode to determine the nearest sections to you.
For further detail, and a comparative analysis of the Emerging Preferred Corridor, please view the overviews for each section in the Corridor Preliminary Routeing and Siting Study or our Project Background Document.
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