MPs raise concerns over pylon plans with Energy Minister
Priti Patel has joined MPs from across the East of England in a meeting with Energy Minister Graham Stuart MP and representatives from National Grid, to highlight local concerns about plans for a new network of pylons and overhead powerlines between Norwich and Tilbury.
The meeting, on Wednesday (7th December 2022), discussed the National Grid’s proposals for the East Anglia Green Energy Enablement (GREEN) scheme, which would see 180kms of new overhead powerlines and pylons constructed on a route that goes through the Witham constituency. The proposals have caused high levels of concern and opposition locally and Priti is working with colleagues across the region to campaign for a rethink of the plans and a review to include looking at developing an offshore grid as an alternative to pylons.
Priti said: “These plans to cover our countryside with pylons and overhead powerlines are ill thought through and have caused concern across the region. There’s been a lack of transparency about the process and it’s disappointing that no substantive work has been undertaken on examining alternative options. With an expansion of offshore wind electricity generation in the North Sea, the Government and National Grid must give serious consideration to the development of an offshore grid and I will continue to press for this.”