Norwich to Tilbury - May 2026 Project Update

 Norwich to Tilbury is a proposal to build a new 400 kilovolt (kV) electricity transmission connection for approximately 180 kilometres from the Norwich Main substation via Bramford substation, a new East Anglia Connection Node (EACN) Substation and a new Tilbury North Substation. 

It is a key part of the Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. It will enable us to carry more clean, secure energy from where it is generated to where it is needed, boosting energy security and helping the nation become more self-sufficient.  

In August 2025, National Grid Electricity Transmission submitted the Development Consent Order (DCO) application for Norwich to Tilbury to the Planning Inspectorate, which manages the DCO process for nationally significant infrastructure projects. 

The examination  

Following our application submission, the Planning Inspectorate appointed an Examining Authority to carry out the examination of the project’s application. This includes reviewing evidence from the project team and representations from stakeholders and the local community, to ensure all issues are considered fairly.

The examination started on 10 February and will conclude on 10 August 2026. You can find out more about the examination timetable for the project and how to have your say on the timetable page of the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

Examination hearings – what was discussed  

As part of the examination, the Examining Authority is holding several rounds of hearings. The first were held earlier this year, followed by a second round of hearings between 28 April and 1 May 2026.

Some of the hearings were ‘issue-specific’ where the Examining Authority explored technical and complex aspects of the application, while others looked at the progress of seeking voluntary agreements with landowners, and the process if a voluntary agreement is not possible. 

The main topics covered during the second round of hearings were: 

• noise and vibration  

• aviation 

• landscape and visual effects 

• historic environment  

• traffic, transport and public rights of way 

• compulsory acquisition.

If you didn’t attend or watch the hearings live, recordings and transcripts of all sessions are now available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

What's next for the examination?

The Planning Inspectorate sets a series of deadlines throughout the examination period. At each stage, specific documents must be submitted, and there are opportunities for people to share their views. The Examining Authority also issues written questions, which we respond to as part of the process. 

Key dates this month include 12 May for deadline four, 22 May for the Examining Authority’s second set of written questions, and 25 May for site inspections.  

What else is coming up?

Community fund consultation

If planning approval is granted, Norwich to Tilbury will unlock a dedicated community fund of over £30 million. This will fund local grants and wider regional investments.  

The fund will be shaped by the community, for the community, and we want to hear what matters most to you to help identify your priorities from the fund. Over the coming months we will hold a consultation on the community fund and your feedback will help to ensure Norwich to Tilbury can deliver lasting benefits for East Anglia.  

Surveys

We’re carrying out a range of surveys along the route, including traffic, transport, ground investigations and public rights of way surveys.  

These surveys support the continued development of the project. They help us understand the local environment by having accurate, up-to-date information along the proposed route.  

Our survey schedule, updated each month, is available on our website.

Next time... 

Watch out for more information about our upcoming community fund consultation and a spotlight on surveys in future editions.