National Grid has announced that full planning approval for the Grain to Tilbury project has been secured in a “key milestone” for strengthening the UK’s energy network.
Forming part of the Great Grid Upgrade, the project will see the existing electricity network upgraded between Grain and Tilbury with the Thames Cable Tunnel replaced. The tunnel, as well as the current cables, were originally installed in the 1960s and have now reached the end of their operational lifespan.
In their place, a new 2.3km tunnel will be constructed underneath the River Thames, linking Tilbury and Gravesend, with new cabling installed and new headhouses also built at each end for access. There will be cable sealing end compounds installed too to ensure the new underground cable can be connected to the wider electricity network. Construction – being carried out by Ferrovial in partnership with BEMO – is due to be complete in 2029.
National Grid also wants to further refurbish the overhead line between Tilbury, Kingsnorth and the Isle of Grain, with this phase of work due to begin in 2028. Local communities will be consulted as the plans progress.
