Sir Edward Lister has visited National Grid's new deep underground tunnels in Wandsworth to find out more about the project which will provide a new 32km electricity superhighway to help keep the capital plugged into energy supplies.

The visit marked the recent launch in Wandsworth of tunnel boring machine (TBM), 'Evelyn', which is busy carving out the latest section of the tunnel route to Wimbledon. Sir Edward got to go down the 35 metre tunnel shaft and see Evelyn at work first hand.

-- Advertisement --

Sir Edward commented: "I'm grateful to the team at National Grid for showing me the hard work that's going on deep underground in what is one of London's most impressive and important infrastructure projects.

"It's amazing to think that as Londoners go about their business this massive tunnelling machine is at work below the city helping to make sure that the capital's energy needs are met, supporting vital employment opportunities in the process."

The London Power Tunnels project is due to be completed in 2018 and once operational it will play a vital part in bringing electricity to homes, businesses and community facilities across the capital.

(CD/JP)