Cambridge energy grid set for boost as substation project gets funding

The energy grid in Greater Cambridge is set for a major boost as innovative proposals to create two new substations take a big step forward.

The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) and UK Power Networks will fund new substations at Cambridge East and Trumpington after deciding the project is now ‘fully justified’ following extensive studies and collaboration between the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and UK Power Networks .

The GCP initially put forward the proposals in 2021 after carrying out a detailed analysis of the demands on the grid now and the expected need in 2031. Demand for electricity across the region is set to triple with thousands of new homes and jobs expected over the next decade.

More people are likely to switch to electric vehicles as part of the low carbon transition alongside an expected reduction in the dependency on gas in homes through greater use of heat pumps.

This collaboration between the GCP and UK Power Networks will support the planned growth in the area and the switch to clean energy, bringing the region one step closer to achieving its net zero ambitions.

The GCP’s Executive Board welcomed the development at its meeting yesterday.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the GCP’s Executive Board, said:

“I am pleased to see this vitally important project progressing following extensive work and analysis by the GCP to make the case for upgrading our energy network.

“With thousands of new homes, jobs and an ever increasing demand for electricity as we make the switch to cleaner vehicles and energy, there two new substations will provide the energy we need for our ever growing region into the future.”

Colm O’Brien, Portfolio Manager for Capital Programme at UK Power Networks, said:

“This work will be of substantial benefit to the businesses and communities we serve in Cambridge and will help to future proof the city’s electricity requirements so is an important moment.

"This year we will commence installation of multiple ducts along the same route to launch four major power projects, a method of combining jobs to ensure we can help minimise any disruption for the work required.”

OFGEM has now now recategorised the project as ‘fully justified’ based on work by UK Power Networks and has released the funding to them. They will now work to acquire land and planning permission, then determine cable routing from the existing grid infrastructure to the new infrastructure with the support of the GCP.

The GCP’s Executive Board had earmarked funding in its future investment strategy to forward fund the project, with the expectation the GCP would recoup this investment as developers and other bodies connected to the new substations. It was a strategy designed to ensure the additional capacity came forward sooner rather than later.

The GCP will remain closely involved in the project and ensure there is a joined-up approach with transport and housing schemes.