Report finds all methods to get offshore wind power to East Anglia will have big impact on locals
Currently, there are plans to build more than 100 miles of pylons between Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex
A new report suggests any method to get offshore wind power to East Anglia will have a big impact on local communities and landscapes.
Environmental concerns have been raised over National Grid's current plans - which would see more than 100 miles of pylons installed between Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
A study looking into these plans, and exploring alternative options, began in December last year.
Now, the findings of the ESO East Anglia Network Study have been published.
The report says there are potential ways to reduce the need for pylon lines across the three counties, for example, offshore cabling, but warns that these options are likely to have an additional impact on communities and landscapes in the region.
They're also more expensive that the National Grid's current plans.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and Finance, said:
“Greater clarity around what might be possible to remove, or markedly reduce, the impact of pylons in Suffolk is very welcome. It is now critical that National Grid take these findings into consideration as they continue planning their Great Grid Upgrade, which includes the Norwich to Tilbury project - a project around which we have huge concerns.
“It is very disappointing that more energy developers did not take part in the voluntary offshore coordination support scheme. As a result, potential coordination, which reduces pylons in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, could lead to greater impacts in east Suffolk”.