EDF Energy Networks has announced that it will invest approximately GBP0.36 million in two separate schemes to remove sections of the overhead electricity network at Cobham Park near Gravesend and at St Margaret's at Cliffe, both in the Kent Downs, Kent County, UK.
The work will be funded from a special allowance granted to EDF Energy Networks by the industry regulator Ofgem, enabling them to remove overhead power lines from designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and national parks.
The projects at Cobham Park and St Margaret’s at Cliffe are the ‘undergrounding’ schemes to get the go-ahead in the county, after being put forward to the regional steering group by Kent AONB unit.
Engineers will begin installing replacement underground cables in parts of Cobham Park and St Margaret’s at Cliffe in the latter part of next year before deactivating and removing the old overhead equipment.
Nigel Collier, protected area project officer of EDF Energy Networks, said: EDF Energy has brought together environmental experts from every AONB and national park in the south-east and east of England to ensure that the funding we have will have maximum impact on the regions’ most beautiful landscapes. We are proud to provide the technical expertise required to bring these Kent Downs projects to fruition.