Representation by National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc (National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc)
- Date submitted
- 15 January 2024
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Relevant Representation of National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc in respect of the Viking CCS Pipeline DCO (the “Project”) This relevant representation is submitted on behalf of National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc (“NGET”) in respect of the Project, and in particular National Grid’s infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. NGET will require appropriate protection for retained apparatus including compliance with relevant standards for works proposed within close proximity of its apparatus. NGET’s rights of access to inspect, maintain, renew and repair such apparatus must also be maintained at all times and access to inspect and maintain such apparatus must not be restricted. Further, where the Applicant intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGET’s interests in land or NGET’s apparatus, NGET will require appropriate protection and further discussion is required on the impact to its apparatus and rights. Further detail is set out below. NGET infrastructure within/in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits NGET owns or operates the following infrastructure within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits for the Project: NGET has high voltage electricity overhead transmission lines within and in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. The overhead lines form an essential part of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales. The details of the electricity assets are as follows: • 2AH 400kV overhead line - Grimsby West – South Humber Bank Killingholme – South Humber Bank • 4KG 400kV overhead line - Grimsby West – South Humber Bank Grimsby West – Keadby Protection of NGET Assets As a responsible statutory undertaker, NGET’s primary concern is to meet its statutory obligations and ensure that any development does not impact in any adverse way upon those statutory obligations. As such, NGET has a duty to protect its position in relation to infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the draft Order Limits. As noted, NGET’s rights to retain its apparatus in situ and rights of access to inspect, maintain, renew and repair such apparatus located within or in close proximity to the Order Limits should be maintained at all times and access to inspect and maintain such apparatus must not be restricted. NGET will require protective provisions to be included within the draft Development Consent Order (the “Order”) for the Project to ensure that its interests are adequately protected and to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards. NGET is liaising with the Applicant in relation to such protective provisions, along with any supplementary agreements which may be required. NGET requests that the Applicant continues to engage with it to provide explanation and reassurances as to how the Applicant’s works pursuant to the Order (if made) will ensure protection for those NGET assets which will remain in situ, along with facilitating all future access and other rights as are necessary to allow NGET to properly discharge its statutory obligations. NGET will continue to liaise with the Applicant in this regard with a view to concluding matters as soon as possible during the DCO Examination and will keep the Examining Authority updated in relation to these discussions. Compulsory Acquisition Powers in respect of the Project As noted, where the Applicant intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGET’s interests in land, NGET will require further discussion with the Applicant. NGET New Infrastructure NGET has identified potential interfaces with the Viking CCS Pipeline project and the following proposed NGET infrastructure projects: • Eastern Green Link (EGL) 3 & 4 projects - which are needed to increase electricity network capability to connect new offshore wind farms that are being developed • Walpole to Grimsby upgrade - The Grimsby to Walpole upgrade is a proposal to build a new high voltage overhead line in Lincolnshire, including building new pylons and new substations. It is needed to increase network capability to connect new offshore windfarms and interconnectors, to carry new clean green energy to homes and businesses where it is needed. It has been identified that the Project interacts with the above proposed NGET infrastructure projects and NGET therefore requests further assurances from the Applicant including satisfactory agreement on a form of Protective Provisions to include protection for its future projects. NGET welcomes further discussion with the Applicant on these interactions. NGET reserves the right to make further representations as part of the Examination process in relation to specific interactions with its existing or future assets but in the meantime will continue to liaise with the Applicant with a view to reaching a satisfactory agreement.