Richborough Connection 400kV
Richborough to Canterbury, Kent, England · 2017–2021 (Completed December 2021) [1] [2] · £68 million (for the 20km power line) [3]; ABB contracts valued at around £50 million [4]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project was crucial for connecting the new UK to Belgium interconnector (Nemo Link) and strengthening the electricity network in Kent. [2]
Key engineering challenges
Construction of a new 20 km, 400 kV overhead line with 60 pylons to connect a new interconnector. [1] [2] - Integrating the new connection into the existing transmission network. [1] - Managing environmental and visual impact in Kent. [2]
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Grid
- Lead contractor
- Balfour Beatty (for overhead line construction), ABB (for transmission upgrade works), Gallagher Ltd (piling platforms) [5] [4] [6]
- Lead designers
- Alterga (design of the 400 kV power line) [3], ABB (design of transmission upgrade works) [4]
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 20 km long, 400 kV double-circuit overhead line; 60 pylons [1] [2]
- Disciplines
- electrical; civil; structural; environmental; project management
- Standards & frameworks
- Development Consent Order (DCO).
Sources: National Grid: Richborough Connection (https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/infrastructure-projects/richborough-connection) [1] - Global Transmission: UK's National Grid completes Richborough Connection project (https://globaltransmission.info/uks-national-grid-completes-richborough-connection-project/) [2] - Alterga: Design of the 400 kV power line Richborough – Canterbury (https://alterga.com/en/projects/case-study/2018/design-of-the-400-kv-power-line-richborough-canterbury-united-kingdom/) [3] - ABB: Major transmission upgrade for Richborough Connection (https://new.abb.com/news/detail/17542/major-transmission-upgrade-for-richborough-connection) [4] - Balfour Beatty: Richborough Connection Project (https://www.balfourbeatty.com/what-we-do/projects/richborough-connection-project/) [5] - Gallagher Group: Richborough Connection Project (https://www.gallagher-group.co.uk/richborough-connection-project/) [6]