The acceptance of the DCO application is a major step for the project, marking the start of the examination stage. We expect the examination to begin in the coming months. During this time, stakeholders, residents and landowners can register to take part and provide representations.

The application documents, including the Consultation Report, which summarises responses to the 2024 statutory consultation and targeted consultations held earlier in 2025, are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

The Norwich to Tilbury project proposes a new 400 kilovolt electricity transmission connection, around 180 km in length, from Norwich Main Substation via Bramford Substation, a new East Anglia Connection Node (EACN) Substation, through to a new Tilbury North Substation. It forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations, helping to strengthen the network so it can transport more low-carbon energy to where it’s needed.

East Anglia’s electricity transmission network, built mainly in the 1960s to serve regional demand, is under increasing pressure from new generation sources: offshore wind farms, nuclear power stations, and interconnection projects. Over the next decade we expect over 15,000 MW of new generation and 4,500 MW of interconnection in the region.

This upgrade is designed to ensure that the network can meet growing electricity demand, support the local economy and jobs, and connect communities to cleaner, more affordable energy in the long term.

• The examination process is now under way.
• It will run for approximately six months, with opportunities for public involvement.
• After examination, the Examining Authority will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision.
• If consent is granted, the project would move into detailed design, land agreements and construction.