Councillors from across the region have confirmed their view that the controversial Norwich to Tilbury Grid Upgrade should be delayed at least until further evidence can be discussed and other proposals considered for viability.
Councillors met online at the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA) Roundtable in April to discuss the impending statutory consultation for the Norwich to Tilbury Grid Upgrade. EELGA is a politically led membership body representing the fifty local authorities in the East of England, and these roundtables exist to bring together stakeholders across the region for discussion and to determine EELGA’s approach to key issues.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Chair of EELGA, has said “Councillors in the East of England take these commitments very seriously and accept the case for increased renewable energy generation. However, there is a strong conviction in the region that proper time and consideration should be given to analysing the alternatives before the National Grid presses forward with this potentially highly disruptive scheme.”
Councillors raised that there was still plenty of time to consider these alternatives, as studies suggest that the energy generation required to make use of these grid upgrades will not be ready until at least 2035 – a full five years after the Norwich to Tilbury upgrade is currently scheduled to be completed. Therefore, there is ample time to consider these alternatives, and to establish if new and developing technology could make a difference to current plans.
Cllr Hicks said “It is essential that we see a fair outcome for our communities. This means better communication from National Grid and coordination with other energy schemes in the region. Whichever kind of transmission option is agreed upon, a package of support for communities affected by that transmission should be put into place. This should consider the environmental and business damage that could be inflicted upon surrounding areas.”
“These social benefit schemes could also help alleviate some of the key issues being felt by these predominantly rural areas.”
Councillors at the Roundtable discussion collectively agreed that social benefit schemes could be used to fund urgent upskilling efforts for workers in the areas impacted by the transmission infrastructure, the provision of new jobs, assistance in making properties more energy efficient, or the provision of other legacy benefits including the strengthening of local energy infrastructure.
Cllr Hicks said, “Given the rate of technological advancement and the scope of further delays in the construction of the supporting renewable energy generation, it makes sense to take time to consider all the alternatives, taking into account onshore, offshore, and community generation as options.”
EELGA will be looking to make a formal response to the statutory consultation on behalf of the East of England. The Norwich to Tilbury Grid Upgrade Consultation closes on 18 June.
