New route revealed for 37-mile Derbyshire giant pylons power line – as National Gird project set to link Chesterfield and Willington enters next consultation stage

The National Grid’s Chesterfield to Willington electricity transmission project has entered its second stage of public consultation today (Tuesday, March 3) following changes proposed following previous consultation.

The project, was first announced in 2024 and proposed to build a number of 50-metre-tall pylons through Amber Valley from Clay Cross through Alfreton and Ripley to Denby and Smalley.

The route caused many controversies and National Grid said that ‘local feedback’ and ‘further technical and environmental assessment’ were taken into consideration before the launch of the second stage of the consultation, which is set to bring a ‘more defined proposed route’ for the new high voltage power line, as well as a new substation at Chesterfield.

An alternative route between Astwith and Alfreton has been proposed in response to the feedback.

The new route, located to the east of the previously proposed energy line, avoids sensitive locations such as the River Amber Valley, Ogston Reservoir and nearby listed buildings including Ogston Hall.

The interactive map, which can be accessed here, divides the route into six sections including Chesterfield to Tibshelf, Tibshelf to Ripley, Ripley to Morley, Morley to Ockbrook, Ockbrook to Aston-on-Trent and Aston-on-Trent to Willington.

The 37-mile 400 kV overhead power line is set to link an existing Willington Substation to a new substation, proposed for Chesterfield.

The substation is set to be built in the vicinity of the existing 275 kV Chesterfield Substation and the existing 132 kV National Grid Electricity Distribution substation.

National Grid said the project was necessary to update the existing electricity transmission network in the region, which was largely built in the1960s to connect coal and nuclear power stations and was not designed for today’s power sources or future demand.

National Grid Project Director Leanne Evans said: “Feedback from our first consultation has directly shaped these updated proposals.

"We’re now presenting a more defined route with indicative pylon positions, alongside an alternative option to the east.

“Our investment will help ensure communities across the East Midlands have the reliable electricity they will increasingly depend on.

"As demand grows, an upgraded network is needed to support everyday life, local businesses, and future jobs, while enabling more secure, cleaner, home-grown energy from more affordable sources.”

National Grid has pledged to invest millions of pounds to build partnerships and invest in skills, employment, and supply chain opportunities, aiming to leave a positive socio-economic legacy alongside reliable grid infrastructure for the region – with local communities asked to share views on how this funding could best be used during the consultation.

The project will also include land for environmental mitigation and enhancement, delivering at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, to support local habitats,

The second stage of consultation will run for eight weeks until Tuesday, April 28, with a number of meetings scheduled locally over the next two months.

The full list of online and in-person meetings as well as the online feedback form can be found here.

The Chesterfield to Willington electricity transmission project is a part of The Great Grid Upgrade - a national overhaul of the UK’s electricity network set to help meet increased energy demand and better suit the new, renewable energy sources.

The scheme is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and will require a Development Consent Order.

An independent panel of inspectors will examine the application and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

If approved by Secretary of State construction is expected to begin in 2029, with the project becoming operational in 2031.