Pelham, United Kingdom – October 12, 2026 -- National Grid has removed two transformers, each weighing about 180 tonnes, from Pelham Substation, clearing the site for two new 300-tonne quad boosters due between February and April 2027 under its North London Reinforcement (NLR) project.
The units had been in service for around 35 years. Contractors Murphy and Equans worked with National Grid on the removal, with around 20 people involved in planning and execution.
Phased decommissioning took about one month per transformer
Crews dismantled each transformer in a phased, controlled process under approved safety procedures. Before lifting, the team inspected internal components to assess their condition and performance over time. National Grid said the findings will inform the design and management of future transformers.
A heavy-lift crane then removed the main sections, which were loaded onto specialist heavy goods vehicles and taken off site for disposal and recycling under environmental and regulatory requirements. The team also removed the noise enclosure and air-insulated switchgear.
Project Director Karthik Ravikumar described the removals as a milestone that reflects planning, coordination and a safety focus across National Grid and contractor teams.
Two quad boosters will raise Pelham's transmission capacity
Quad boosters are specialised equipment that control electricity flow. The new units will increase how much power Pelham can transmit and help keep the wider system balanced.
Each unit will weigh about 300 tonnes and will reach the site in four separate heavy-lift movements. National Grid said it will plan each delivery to limit disruption to local communities and other site works. Before arrival, teams will prepare the installation area, carry out piling and build foundations.
Overhead line rerouting will remove 11 pylons around the substation
National Grid is working with UK Power Networks to reroute a short section of overhead line and put some cables underground, which will allow 11 pylons around the substation to be removed. The existing overhead route between Pelham and Waltham Cross will be upgraded with higher-voltage cables to support the added capacity.
NLR upgrades the electricity network between Pelham and Hackney. It will modernise substations that have been in use for more than 60 years and double the capacity of existing overhead lines.