National Grid is urging communities in Suffolk and Kent to comment on proposals for a new electricity infrastructure project as part of an eight-week statutory consultation process which runs between 24 October and 18 December 2023.

Sea Link is needed to carry renewable and low carbon power from offshore wind, interconnectors and nuclear power to where it’s needed. The proposals include a new, primarily offshore, 145 km cable connection from Pegwell Bay in Kent to a point on the Suffolk Coast between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. Plans include the onshore infrastructure needed at either end, such as converter stations and substations, to connect the power onto the existing network so it can be transported to homes and businesses around the country.

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National Grid held an initial consultation last year to introduce the project to local communities and gather feedback on the proposals. This statutory consultation will give local communities the opportunity to see how the plans have developed and to provide further feedback on the proposals before National Grid submits a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Adrian Pierssene, Project Director for Sea Link, commented: "This reinforcement between Suffolk and Kent is essential in the UK’s journey to net zero by 2050 and is part of a wider programme to upgrade the entire network. We look forward to hearing views from members of the public and we welcome feedback on our proposals."

Over the eight-week period, members of the public will be able to attend in-person events, dial into webinars, collect information from local deposit points or book an 'ask the experts' appointment.