Power supply: new underground electricity lines
As we need to pump the mine water from Sharnberry adit up to the treatment ponds, we need an electricity supply for the scheme.
We have investigated if it is feasible to generate electricity at the site from renewable sources but unfortunately it would not be practical to provide a continuous supply of all the power we need. Therefore, we are working with Northern Powergrid to connect the site to the national grid by installing new underground electricity lines. We are expecting these to be installed these in two stages:
- B6278: new underground electricity lines along the B6278 road from near Middle End (towards Eggleston),
- Along the access track to Sharnberry mine: new, underground, electricity supply from the B8278 to the adit.
We will update this page as more details become available on the timing of the electricity supply installation and the design of the treatment scheme.
Details of investigations and next steps:
We are also currently undertaking investigations to confirm that our preferred location is suitable. This includes ecological surveys to understand the local wildlife, plants and industrial heritage, as well as engineering studies. We will need to obtain planning permission from Durham County Council, along with other environmental permits, before we can build a mine water treatment scheme. We have begun to discuss our proposals with stakeholders including local landowners, the council, Natural England and the North Pennines National Landscape team.