New substation for Biggleswade

2022-7-25 Bedfordshire Live

Work has begun on a new 400kV electricity substation in Biggleswade, UK.

Central Bedfordshire Council coordinated a traditional ‘breaking the ground’ event to mark work starting on the National Grid’s 400kV substation and UK Power Networks’ new grid substation to increase power capacity in Biggleswade.

Councillor Richard Wenham, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “This new electricity substation will meet growing energy needs across our local area and provide the essential power to support new homes, business opportunities and jobs. As we look to do our bit for the planet and as more people shift to electric vehicles or clean energy to heat their homes, the new substation will help support reducing CO2 emissions.”

The project is part of the council’s initiative to support the planned housing growth of around 3,000 homes to the east of the town. It secured £70 million of government funding via the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund for a number of schemes including this power project.

The funding is also supporting education, providing a new transport interchange at Biggleswade Railway Station, and creating a new bridge to the north of Biggleswade where the popular Green Wheel Bridleway crosses the East Coast Mainline. This will provide a safe and more accessible way for people to cross the railway line.

Speaking about the new substation, Mark Beasley Project director for National Grid, said: “National Grid invests around £1 billion each year in the electricity transmission system, delivering the fastest decarbonising electricity network in the world with world-class reliability. We are delighted to be a part of this project, connecting and increasing power capacity to Biggleswade, supporting investment in the town and enabling a secure supply of electricity to the area for the decades to come.”