London Power Tunnels

The first of six new electricity transmission circuits from the £1 billion London Power Tunnels 2 (LPT2) project has been energized, connecting Hurst substation to Crayford with a 2.5 km high voltage network. This initiative aims to replace aging 1960s cables and is part of a larger effort to construct over 30 km of tunnels to secure and future-proof London's electricity supply. Energy Minister Michael Shanks praised the project during his visit to New Cross substation, highlighting its significance in enhancing infrastructure and creating skilled jobs. The new substation at Bengeworth Road is noteworthy for being built with SF6-free technology, marking a first in the UK. The project is expected to be fully operational by 2026, with ongoing construction on additional circuits between Wimbledon and New Cross. National Grid officials expressed pride in this engineering achievement, emphasizing the reduced disruption for future maintenance due to the underground structure.