Therese has renewed her call for Bradwell in Essex to be investigated as a possible connection point for offshore wind to help relieve the pressure of energy infrastructure on the Suffolk coast. She repeated the request at the recent Offshore Electricity Grid Task Force meeting (pictured) where East Anglian MPs met Energy Minister, Graham Stuart. She has also followed that up in writing with a letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Grant Shapps.
Therese said: “Although there is an entirely correct government commitment to provide 40GW of offshore wind electricity by 2030, I’ve consistently made it clear that it’s essential our precious landscapes and communities are protected by placing the infrastructure in the appropriate location. That’s why I opposed the Friston sub-station and why I’ve made submissions opposing the options set out in the recent Eurolink and Sealink consultations. I have been clear and continue to press the case that onshore connections should be placed on brownfield land.”
Therese added: “Although I’m disappointed that the department has not backed a full review, I recognise that in his recent letter, Graham Stuart has indicated that he wishes to reduce landing points in East Anglia. I particularly welcome the fact that National Grid is now investigating a brownfield site on the Isle of Grain in Kent as a possible connection point for the Nautilus project.”
“Now that Graham Stuart has released himself from the decision-making function for any forthcoming Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, enabling him to actively engage with developers, MPs and other stakeholders on coordination and siting. I think there is a real opportunity for the department to investigate the viability of Bradwell and then potentially promote it. Especially as I am given to understand that the site has a currently dormant connection to the grid.”
Therese’s petition, which calls on the department to carry out a comparative study, has so far received 2,800 signatures.
