Energy secretary Claire Coutinho has granted a development consent order (DCO) for the Yorkshire GREEN Energy Enablement project, clearing the way for National Grid to start reinforcing the high-voltage power network near York, north Yorkshire.
Construction of the £400m project, due to start this summer, will allow more renewable and low-carbon energy to move onto electricity grid and into homes and businesses, both in Yorkshire and further afield.
The reinforcement will help deliver the government’s Net Zero targets as well as enable a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy system.
Deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, Yorkshire GREEN is the first of seven onshore projects proposed by National Grid across England and Wales required to be consented through a DCO.
The project also is part of the Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework established by Ofgem.
National Grid has been engaging with communities and local stakeholders on the project since 2020, including two rounds of public consultation and further localised targeted consultations. Feedback from local stakeholders, communities and wider consultees has helped shape the proposals, and we are committed to continuing this engagement as we work to ensure the project leaves a lasting legacy in its host communities.
Contractors have been appointed. Morrison Energy Services has been selected to deliver the new overhead line and existing overhead line refurbishment. Murphy will deliver two new substations in Overton and Monk Fryston. Hyosung and Hyundai will supply transformers to the substations.
Matt Staley, National Grid director of onshore delivery said: “I am delighted after months of consideration the government has granted development consent to build Yorkshire GREEN.
“This marks a major milestone for The Great Grid Upgrade, and as the first project to have been given consent to begin construction, it will help the UK to meet its Net Zero and energy security ambitions, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term.
