The Secretary of Energy, Ed Miliband, is facing opposition from various regions regarding the installation of pylons in untouched rural landscapes to facilitate a transition to clean energy. Council leaders and communities are against the construction of a new network of pylons in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
There are demands for substantial community compensation if these projects proceed.
These plans are part of a £30 billion National Grid modernization initiative, which includes the ”great grid upgrade” program aimed at connecting new solar farms, battery storage facilities, and offshore wind farms. Additionally, new gas power stations may be constructed to support renewable energy and prevent power outages.
Colin Davie, from Lincolnshire county council, expressed concerns about the impact of the pylons on the landscape and tourism. He stated, “These structures will mar the scenery and harm tourism. We will not stand for it. There will be a battle over this, without a doubt.”
National Grid argues that the current power network, designed for coal-fired power stations, needs upgrading to accommodate cleaner and more reliable energy sources. Labour aims to “electrify the economy” and streamline infrastructure development.
Miliband has reversed a ban on onshore wind projects in England and approved large solar farms in the east. He emphasized the importance of constructing necessary clean energy infrastructure.
Proposed projects for the great grid upgrade include the installation of 420 pylons, each 50 meters high, spanning from Grimsby to Walpole and a 112-mile power line from Norwich to Tilbury. Communities in Wales are also contesting pylon projects unrelated to the National Grid upgrade.
Andrew Malkin, representing No Pylons Lincolnshire, highlighted concerns about the impact on farming land and scenic views. He suggested that undersea cables could be a more suitable alternative for power transmission. Public consultations have begun, with residents expressing worries about the visual and environmental consequences of the pylon installations.
2024-07-20 11:00:41
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