Protesters caution pylons mark start of wider industrialization

Campaigners assert that a proposed new series of pylons traversing Lincolnshire will lead to an increase in solar and wind farms, along with “the entire industrialisation” of coastal communities. National Grid’s objective is to construct a pylon corridor extending from Grimsby to Walpole, situated across the border in Norfolk. According to the protest organization No Pylons Lincolnshire, local residents have not been informed about an “almost constant barrage” of green energy initiatives also slated for construction along this path. National Grid stated its obligation to offer connections for projects seeking to integrate into the transmission network. These pylons are intended to facilitate the transmission of green energy produced in Scotland to the south-east region of the nation. Furthermore, National Grid’s proposals indicate the construction of four new substations to process the power, which will also offer plug-in capabilities for new electricity-generating projects in the vicinity. The proposed plans encompass 14 potential solar or wind farms situated along the route, with some already progressing through the initial phases of the planning process. No Pylons Lincolnshire has communicated with Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, asserting that there has been “an almost constant barrage of additional proposals for onshore facilities” since the initial announcement of the pylons project. The group is requesting that all these proposals be evaluated collectively, instead of individually. Spokesman Peter Phillips commented, “For most people these projects are passing under the radar, as residents are not getting any information.” Jennifer Cooper’s residence in Bilsby, situated near Alford, features a back garden that overlooks the designated site for a substation. A new solar farm project, currently within the planning system, is a potential development in the vicinity. She stated, “Once you get one substation the number of projects will just grow and grow, and we’ll be totally industrialised.” She added, “We’re being inundated but we’re only being drip-fed the information.” The protestors have garnered support from Lincolnshire County Council, which has issued a threat of legal action to prevent the construction of the pylons. Colin Davie, who serves as the council’s portfolio holder for environment and planning, indicated his expectation of observing “solar farms and onshore wind along the whole route on either side of the pylons”. National Grid reiterated its obligation to extend connection offers to projects that submitted applications through the national system. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero issued a statement, saying: “There is additional grid capacity in the Lincolnshire area, which can be used to connect new renewable projects.” The statement continued: “It is important we take people with us and [we] are considering ways to ensure communities who live near clean energy infrastructure can see the benefits of this.” The National Energy System Operator, responsible for overseeing the process through which projects connect to National Grid, has been contacted for a statement.