Witham MP Priti Patel has commented the publication by the Electricity System Operator (ESO) of a report outlining a series of options to transmit electricity generated from offshore wind farms to the grid. The report examines nine different options, which include alternatives to the National Grid’s current plans to cover the East of England with 112 miles of pylons and overhead powerlines. These alternatives include the development of an offshore grid, hybrid options that include some pylons, undergrounding of cables and variations on these models. Indicative costs are also provided to facilitate further debate and discussion.
Priti said: “We have been campaigning for an alternative to the National Grid’s plans for pylons and this report gives us an indication of a comparison of the costs and impacts of a range of options. The details in the report will need careful consideration but they demonstrate that there are alternatives to the National Grid’s ill-thought-through pylons plans and I will be working with colleagues and campaigners to review this report and take further action.”
