National Grid has fully energized its new Littlebrook 400kV substation in Dartford, Kent, marking a major milestone in the transmission of low carbon and renewable energy. The new facility enables the transfer of 2 gigawatts (GW) of energy from interconnectors and offshore wind farms off the coast of Kent, powering around 1.5 million homes.

Construction of the substation began in June 2019 as a replacement for the original Littlebrook facility. National Grid partnered with Balfour Beatty and GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions to bring the project to fruition, with the aim of reducing emissions and implementing sustainable practices throughout the construction process.

The new substation incorporates advanced technology such as GE Vernova’s SF6-free gas-insulated busbar equipment, which saves 5.6 tonnes of SF6 gas. This innovation aligns with National Grid's commitment to cut SF6 emissions by 50% by 2030 and eliminate the gas from electrical assets entirely by 2050.

In addition to installing underground cabling, overhead line connections, and GE switchgear, the project involved relocating four existing super grid transformers and installing a new one in July 2022. The effort also included net-zero construction methods, such as using British steel, solar power, electric vehicle charging points, and a biodiversity net gain plan.

Laura Mulcahy, Senior Project Manager for National Grid Electricity Transmission, expressed her delight in the project's completion, acknowledging the challenges faced and the team's hard work. Tony Wilson, Managing Director at Balfour Beatty Power Transmission and Distribution, and Mark Wilson, Head of Service at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions, also praised the collaboration and impact of the project in providing secure power to the Southeast.

Source: nationalgrid.com