National Grid Plc has opened a public comment window for early plans for the 6.9GW Cross Border Connection project between England and Scotland, part of a broader project to enable more renewables into Britain's grid.

National Grid is proposing two route options: “Option A would end at a new substation north of Carlisle, near the existing Harker substation." This route would have a new overhead line stretching about 28km (17.4 miles).

"Option B would end at a new substation south of Carlisle, with a longer route of approximately 47km," the company said. “This route would cross Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site just north of the River Eden, where the wall survives as underground remains.”

“National Grid is committed to minimising impact on heritage sites and will work closely with experts and local communities throughout the consultation.”

The consultation runs until December 10. The campaign includes six in-person community gatherings, four webinars and the delivery of over 11,000 newsletters to households and businesses.

"We’re at an early stage in the design process and the feedback we receive during this consultation will play a crucial role in shaping how we move forward,” said Angela Hosford, project director for Cross Border Connection at National Grid.

National Grid said it will use the feedback to refine project proposals. It said it will hold a further consultation ahead of a planning application under the Development Consent Order process in 2028.

"If approved, construction could begin in 2030, with the Cross Border Connection expected to be operational by 2033," it said.

Iberdrola SA’s Scottish Power Ltd earlier published a report on a public consultation on the Scottish section of the Cross Border Connection project.

SP Energy Networks environmental planner Marlene Marimbe said: “The next step for us is to carry out extensive and detailed investigation, including a full environmental impact assessment. This will enable us to evolve the proposals and move from a preferred route to a specific alignment with exact information on tower positions, access routes and how we will go about constructing the scheme, if consented.”

The project is part of National Grid’s The Great Grid Upgrade, which consists of 17 major infrastructure projects across England, Scotland and Wales. These projects would expand and upgrade the network for renewables integration.

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