The Breckland Council has given the green light for the development of a “Greener Grid Park” in Necton, following the approval of proposals aimed at bolstering the region’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Unveiled last year, the project aims to support the growing influx of renewable energy into the National Grid, spurred by major initiatives such as RWE’s offshore windfarms. Positioned adjacent to the Necton substation, south of the A47, the site is strategically chosen to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the grid.
While acknowledging the project’s vital role in strengthening the National Grid, Fraser Bateman, a Necton parish councillor, expressed reservations about the site selection and the visual impact of the large-scale industrial development in a rural setting. Bateman stated, “While we accept that this project will serve a necessary function in making the National Grid more reliant and efficient, we are not satisfied with the site chosen or the visual impact of this industrial scale development in a rural location. This is far from ideal.”
Proposed by Norwegian firm Statkraft, the Greener Grid Park aims to stabilize the grid and ensure a reliable power supply, particularly during disruptions to the electricity system. The park intends to replace the reliance on fossil fuel plants during periods of low wind activity with synchronous compensators, large electrical machines equipped with flywheels, to deliver grid stability.
Sacha Lloyd Rutherford, project manager, emphasized the importance of the development in ensuring a dependable and sustainable energy supply. Rutherford stated, “This development will help to keep the lights on and secure our greener energy supply. It will support the fight against climate change, solve a lasting issue with our grid network, and reduce energy bills. Projects like this will allow more wind and solar to be built and connected.”
Construction of the Greener Grid Park is scheduled to commence later this year and is anticipated to span approximately 18 months.