UK’s National Grid begins construction of Richborough–Canterbury line

Britain’s transmission system operator (TSO) National Grid has started construction of the 20-km-long, 400 kV Richborough–Canterbury overhead line (OHL).

The project entails construction of a new 400 kV double-circuit OHL from Richborough to Canterbury and a new 400 kV substation in Richborough. It also involves removal of an existing 132 kV overhead line in the period between 2019 and 2021. The 400 kV line is crucial for the realisation of the NEMO link – the first 1 GW, high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector between Great Britain and Belgium, to provide reliable and secure electricity supply in the region.

The work for the project began after receiving approval from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in August 2017, after a lengthy consultation process, which sought the views of local land-owners, tenants, the local community, and other stakeholders.

As reported, National Grid will soon start works at the Canterbury North substation and Richborough substation for the installation of new equipment, upgradation of the existing technology, and extension of substation buildings.

The line is expected to be operational by late 2018.

Global Transmission