The UK power supply company, National Grid has submitted plans to upgrade electricity infrastructure between Grain and Tilbury by building a new 2.3km long cable tunnel underneath the River Thames. The existing Thames Cable Tunnel between Tilbury and Gravesend is more than 50 years old and is coming to the end of its useful life. The proposed new tunnel will replace it and help to reinforce the local network. The applications follows a consultation last October with local Gravesend and Tilbury residents.
Planning applications have now been submitted under the Town and Country Planning Act, to both Thurrock and Gravesham Councils.
Two new ‘headhouses’ will also be built at either end of the tunnel at Gravesend and Tilbury.
These headhouses are buildings which are needed to connect the tunnel and act as access points for National Grid workers.
The Grain to Tilbury proposals form part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the grid in generations, with new infrastructure across England and Wales helping the UK to meet its net zero ambitions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term.
Lee Driscoll, Lead Project Manager, commented: “The Grain to Tilbury project is essential to upgrade the energy network in Kent and Essex to ensure that we can continue to carry more clean energy to homes and businesses, and help the country reach net zero by 2050.
“We are pleased to have now submitted our planning applications and look forward to delivering this important upgrade following their approval.”
Construction is hoped for a start in Summer 2024, with project completion in Winter 2008.
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