Project summary
Xlinks’ Renewable Energy Development in Devon is a vital part of the plan to deliver a reliable source of low-cost renewable power from Morocco to the GB electricity grid, free from the environmental and weather constraints holding back UK-based generation.
The proposed onshore works in Devon comprise:
- Approximately 14.7km of underground High Voltage Direct Current cabling, from landfall at Cornborough.
- Construction of a HVDC to HVAC Converter Station site to the southwest of the existing National Grid substation located between Gammaton and Alverdiscott.
Project update - December 2022
We would like to thank the many members of the local community who attended our Public Information Days.
Following your feedback, we took the decision to look again at the viability of potential alternative converter station sites. Work relating to the old showground site is ongoing and needs to consider both the benefits and the challenges associated with such a move.
Consequently, we are extending our project timeline and will not submit a formal planning application until the spring. Should any material changes be made to our proposals, we will enter a second period of consultation with the local community, including a second set of Public Information Days.
We remain committed to an open and ongoing dialogue that will ensure we have the fullest understanding of how to minimise disruption and maximise benefit to the region during construction.
Indicative project timeline
Our commitment
We’re committed to engaging fully and thoroughly with the Devon community.
- We are engaging with local stakeholders to ensure we have the fullest understanding of how to minimise disruption during construction.
- We will explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon.
- It is our priority to be a good neighbour to Devon’s communities and natural environment.
We’re listening
Public consultation ran from 23rd November 2022 to 13th December 2022 and we held public exhibitions on:
- Wednesday, 23rd November 2022 from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Huntshaw Parish Hall, Huntshaw, Devon, EX38 7HH
- Thursday, 24th November 2022 from 12.30pm to 8.00pm at Caddsdown Business Support Centre, Caddsdown Industrial Park, Clovelly Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3DX
Public consultation has now closed. We are analysing the feedback received and are preparing a statement of community involvement report which will accompany the planning application due to be submitted to Torridge District Council in early 2023. The report will detail the consultation undertaken, feedback received and how this has shaped our application.
We are still keen to hear your views on the points below:
- Comments, questions or concerns relating to our proposals.
- Ways in which components, materials, work packages and services can be tendered and sourced locally.
- Options we should consider to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity.
- Ways in which a community benefit fund might be structured, and examples of local projects that could take advantage of such a scheme.
Get in touch
Please send us your thoughts via any of the channels listed below:
- Email – [email protected]
- Phone – 01271 268830
- Post – Xlinks Ltd, Kingfisher House, 1 Radford Way, Billericay, CM12 0EQ
Stay Updated
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Frequently Asked Question
Our project needs to connect at the optimal location in terms of transmission capacity and efficiency. This means it can deliver more renewable energy at a lower cost to Britain’s households.
We worked with National Grid to identify the optimal connection site. Agreement has been reached with National Grid for two 1.8GW connections at this site.
We are committed to explore all opportunities to contribute to social and economic development in Devon, including through the tender of work packages during the construction of the project and through the establishment of a community benefit fund.
It is our priority to be a good neighbour to Devon’s communities and natural environment. We aim to deliver a net positive environmental impact for biodiversity.
Finally, our project represents nationally-significant action in line with the principles of the Devon Climate Declaration.
All cables will be installed underground, with land reinstated to its previous use. There will be no permanent infrastructure above-ground along the route.
At the converter station site, approximately 74% of the buildings will be screened from view, rising to 88% with architectural screening.
Post-construction noise will be minimal, with very few moving parts, occasional inspections and maintenance, and a small operational team.
HGVs will use the A39 wherever possible. They are not expected to travel through Bideford.
Where local roads are used to access some parts of the cable route, traffic management measures will be used to maintain safety and access for existing users.
We are working with the local Highways Authority to identify off-road haul routes for abnormal loads.
