New Thames Tunnel Completed Ahead of Schedule for Grid Upgrade
What happened
A new 2.2km tunnel beneath the River Thames, connecting Kent and Essex, has been completed 49 days ahead of schedule. The tunnel is part of The Great Grid Upgrade project, which will install new high-voltage electricity cables running from Gravesend to Tilbury. The project involved installing over 10,000 concrete tunnel segments and excavating more than 40,000 cubic metres of chalk. This new tunnel will replace the Thames Cable Tunnel, which dates back to the 1960s.
From kentonline.co.uk
Why it matters
The tunnel is expected to play an important role in supporting Britain’s future electricity needs as demand for cleaner power continues to grow. The project helps strengthen the electricity network. Furthermore, the excavated chalk material is set to be reused at the Port of Tilbury.
From kentonline.co.uk
Who's involved
- Port of TilburyThe Port of Tilbury will reuse the chalk material excavated from the tunnel.
- TBMThe TBM was used to excavate the tunnel and provide chalk material.
- KentKent is one of the regions connected by the new tunnel.
- EssexEssex is one of the regions connected by the new tunnel.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- KentSpeculative
Kent might benefit from improved regional electricity supply via the new high-voltage cables.
- EssexSpeculative
Essex might see increased demand for electricity supported by the new high-voltage tunnel.
- Briggs EquipmentSpeculative
Briggs Equipment might see increased demand for operational services at the Port of Tilbury.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Port of Tilbury
port
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TBM
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Kent
Swedish website
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Essex
ceremonial county in England (use Q21272241 for administrative non-metropolitan county)