theguardian.com
National Grid Weighs Fast-Tracking Power Cable Projects
National Grid considers fast-tracking power cable projects to meet clean energy goals, despite local opposition and environmental concerns.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsClimate ChangeUkEnergy SecurityEnvironmentInfrastructureBusinessEnergy
National GridNational Energy System Operator (Neso)Government
John Pettigrew
- What is National Grid considering regarding its two power cable projects?
- National Grid is exploring the possibility of accelerating two power cable projects: a 114-mile line from Tilbury to Norwich and the 90-mile Sea Link undersea cable. This is in response to government goals for clean energy by 2030 and a report highlighting the projects' critical role.
- What are the main concerns of local opposition groups regarding the projects?
- Local opposition is significant, with concerns about environmental impact, destruction of landscapes, and the visual effect of the pylons. Green groups also worry about damage to coastal ecosystems from the Sea Link project.
- What is the role of the National Energy System Operator (Neso) in this situation?
- The National Energy System Operator (Neso) advised fast-tracking the projects to meet the 2030 decarbonization target. Without them, the target would be missed by 1.6%, costing consumers an extra \u00a34.2 billion.
- What were National Grid's recent financial results, and what was the CEO's outlook?
- National Grid reported a 26% increase in underlying pre-tax profit to \u00a31.44 billion for the first half of the year. The CEO expressed confidence in working with the new administration in the US and downplayed any impact on US projects.
- What potential conflicts might arise from National Grid's plans to accelerate the projects?
- While the projects aim to support the government's clean energy goals, the accelerated timeline might lead to further disputes with local communities and environmental groups concerned about the potential impacts on landscapes and ecosystems.