Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey has called on energy company National Grid to publish the reasons why an Essex site was deemed unsuitable to receive power lines from offshore wind farms.
Campaign groups, including Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS), have been calling for cables to be routed through brownfield land at Bradwell in Essex, rather than through Suffolk countryside via a new substation at Friston and converter station at Saxmundham.
But National Grid has decided not to proceed with the Bradwell plans after conducting studies of the site as part of the so-called Sea Link project, which refers to plans for a 145km long cable to bring electricity from Suffolk to Kent.
READ MORE: National Grid consider study on Suffolk cables proposals
However, speaking in the House of Commons, former Environment Secretary Dr Coffey pressed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the reasons why National Grid had rejected the Bradwell site.
She said: "I know the Prime Minister is committed to energy security and the development of renewables as am I.
"Only this week, Sizewell started its construction process.
READ MORE: Saxmundham council's warning in Sea Link plans response
"However, there is plenty of other infrastructure planned where National Grid plan to use compulsory purchase orders to plough up farmland used for food and tree production, when there are brownfield sites already available connected to the network.
"National Grid is refusing to publish its study of Bradwell on why they deem it would not be suitable.”
In response, Mr Sunak said it was "important to listen to communities" and the relevant ministers were listening to her concerns.
READ MORE: East Suffolk Council calls for 'offshore solutions'
Speaking after her Commons appearance, she said it must be 'logical' to prioritise brownfield over greenfield sites on the Suffolk coast and that she was pleased National Grid would be conducting a 'comparative' study to look into the possibility of using Bradwell.
However, a spokesman for National Grid said: “We have published an environmental study of Bradwell on our website, as part of the Norwich to Tilbury project, which found that the numerous highly protected and ecologically sensitive sites around Bradwell would require significantly more onshore infrastructure to bring the energy to where it is needed, than otherwise would be necessary.
"Alongside this, connecting Sea Link in to Bradwell would not reinforce the electricity network in the place where it is required. As a result, these options were not progressed.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel