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National Grid has begun tunnelling for its £1 billion scheme to rewire south London by building 32.5 kilometres of underground power ducts between Wimbledon and Crayford.
The work is being undertaken for the second phase of National Grid’s London Power Tunnels project. The first phase saw 32 kilometres of tunnels dug mainly to the north of the Thames from Hackney to Willesdon and Kensal Green to Wimbledon.
National Grid recently marked the arrival of the 140-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) at a site in New Cross. The machine has been named Edith in honour of Edith Clarke, the first female electrical engineer and a pioneer of the field who used mathematics to advance the understanding of power transmission.
In line with tradition, a local religious leader gave a blessing to ‘Edith’ next to an image of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of underground workers.
Alice Delahunty, president of Electricity Transmission at National Grid, said: “Our London Power Tunnels project is making sure electricity reaches homes and businesses in London safely, reliably and efficiently. The arrival and launch of the TBM at New Cross is an exciting milestone for this project, so I am delighted that we are able to host an event to mark this occasion.
“A huge amount of work has gone into making this possible, so I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the success of this project so far, especially as the project began at the start of the pandemic. Despite its challenges our engineers have been able to deliver this vital project and reach this milestone.”
The event was attended by minister for London, Paul Scully, who said: “As well as keeping the lights on, the £1 billion investment through the London Power Tunnels project shows the full range of London’s engineering talent that is helping to build back better from the pandemic.
“It was great to smash the metaphorical champagne bottle across National Grid’s new 140-tonne tunnel boring machine, which is heavyweight tech for a heavyweight project, and I wish it every success on its maiden voyage.”
London Power Tunnels Phase 2 route
The first section of the route from Wimbledon to New Cross is scheduled to become operational in 2025. The second section between New Cross and Hurst is expected to become operational in 2026 and the third section between Hurst and Crayford in 2024.
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