Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are present whenever and wherever electricity is generated, transmitted, and used. Radiofrequency (RF) emissions are prevalent due to the adoption of wireless communication devices, smart meters, inverters, etc. Understanding and concerns around potential environmental health and safety impacts related to these EMF and RF exposures are evolving as the need for electrification and grid resiliency increases. Through this project, National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) will collaborate with Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to carry out fundamental research to assess the uncertainties and potential impact of EMFs and RFs on human and non-human biota, develop models and characterization for EMFs and RFs, and synthesise global developments in the field, for use in the UK energy industry.
Benefits
Financial:
This project is expected to deliver a financial benefit of £864k to UK consumers over a 5 year period. This assessment is based on comparing the estimated research costs from EPRI’s leveraged funding mechanism in the innovation option, and estimated annual costs involved in a few research projects that would have to be commissioned by NGET independently in baseline option.
In absence of latest outcomes from EMF research, other utilities have reported that 4-15% of total project costs is spent on EMF reduction techniques. These include measures such as undergrounding near residential and commercial properties, introducing corridors around overhead lines, compact tower usage, cable screening with metal tubes or passive loops and health screening of communities close to lines. If EMF and RF are not managed in the UK as effectively, given the scale of the program of works to achieve Net Zero, this would result in very high mitigation costs and delays in consenting.
Health and Safety:
Outcomes from this project will enable NGET to operate a robust worker safety program for its staff and appropriate measures for community health, particularly in proximity to electricity assets. It will also enable effective communication of potential health impacts from electricity assets, to the UK electricity industry and the public.
Learnings
Outcomes
The EPRI program P60 has been developing insights and understanding of potential or perceived risks from EMF exposure for new or emerging technologies to support the net zero transition.
In P60A - Health Studies and Risk Communication strand, the TransExpo study hasn’t provided evidence to exclude EMF as a cause for the uncertainty around CL by removing selection bias in such studies. Further research into these subjects within the P60 program will continue and provide science-backed outcomes to the industry and policy makers.
The impacts of new or rapidly expanding technologies have also been investigated by the program, providing valuable insights into the potential impacts of ultra-high voltage HVDC overhead lines, which aren’t currently used in the UK.
In the P60B - Exposure Characterization and Management strand, research has developed insights into EMF mitigation measures to be taken against microshocks as more overhead infrastructure is planned to be rolled out. Further, a framework for EMF marine impacts was developed where there was a void in guidance. This has been incorporated into companywide guidance and has allowed for more complete assessments of offshore projects to be carried out.
Research into new technology, such as 5G and battery storage, helps identify future occupational and public acceptance issues. In addition to these a comprehensive EMF management reference book has been developed and published. This will help the industry assess the EMF impacts of new assets in order to facilitate the infrastructure needed to connect new renewable generation.
Additionally, the EPRI research program continues to be pivotal in the formulation of the UK’s carefully thought-out EMF guidelines and policies. These ensure that the public and employees are protected against EMF without additional costly measures being introduced with no scientific basis.
Refer to list of the major outcomes:
- EPRI reports and peer-reviewed publication of RF exposures from smart meters (3002017639) and 5G base stations (3002021620).
These outputs provide a robust scientific evidence base to support NGET in responding to stakeholder and regulatory concerns regarding RF exposures from smart meters and 5G base stations that may be hosted on utility infrastructure. This information enables consistent, evidence-based communication with stakeholders.
- Developed training materials covering a comprehensive set of EMF/RF topics for quick onboarding of EMF issues managers (3002018823)
The training materials enables faster development of internal capability within NGET, supporting knowledge transfer, succession planning, and improved consistency in how EMF-related issues are assessed and managed across projects.
- Developed EMFast Web (3002029424), a simple-to-use web-based software tool to calculate 2D EMFs
This tool enables NGET to carry out rapid, standardized EMF assessments for infrastructure projects, supporting more efficient design, assessment, and decision-making processes without reliance on complex modelling.
- Developed the EMF-RF Resource Center (3002028163), an online resource of EMF information for the public and program members
This provides NGET with a centralized, credible repository of information that can be used to support transparent stakeholder engagement and improve public understanding, helping to build trust and reduce potential project opposition.Populated and completed the development of an industry EMF occupational exposure database to inform medical device policies (3002024850)
This enables NGET to better assess occupational EMF exposures and manage risks for employees with implantable medical devices, supporting evidence-based policy development and ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Completed updates to the EMF Management Reference Book (3002024734)
This provides NGET engineers with a comprehensive technical foundation on EMF fundamentals, how different infrastructure designs influence field levels, and available mitigation approaches, supporting more informed design decisions, consistent assessment practices, and identification of mitigation options across projects.
- Provided an updated understanding of the environmental and health impacts from HVDC and hybrid overhead lines (300202732)
This supports NGET in assessing emerging technologies required for the energy transition, enabling more informed planning, environmental assessments, and stakeholder communication for future network developments.
- Developed FAQ Information Briefs to inform utility communication of key topics, such as EHS (3002024733), smart meters (3002028427), 5G (3002028428), and microshocks (3002029419 and 3002029420)
These materials enable NGET to respond quickly and consistently to stakeholder concerns using clear, science-based messaging, reducing the risk of misinformation and supporting more effective public and worker engagement.
- Provided guidance and environmental/public exposure considerations for public use of transmission line easements (3002029422)
This supports NGET in managing land use and access considerations, enabling more informed decisions around easement use while balancing safety, operational, and stakeholder requirements.
- Developed an evaluation criteria and characterization method for assessing EMF for submarine HVDC (3002028429) and HVAC cables (3002031201)
This provides NGET with a structured and defensible methodology for assessing EMF impacts in marine environments, supporting offshore project consenting, reducing assessment uncertainty, and enabling more efficient delivery of subsea infrastructure.Collectively, these outputs enhance NGET’s capability to assess and manage EMF risks, support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen stakeholder communication, and enable more efficient planning and consenting of new infrastructure. This directly supports the delivery of network expansion required for the net zero transition while reducing the risk of delays, additional costs, and stakeholder challenges.
TRL
Due to the multi-strand, research-focused nature of the P60 program, a single TRL classification is not applicable. The program primarily delivers scientific knowledge, analytical tools, and guidance rather than discrete technologies progressing toward commercial deployment.
Where applicable, certain outputs (e.g., modelling tools, measurement methods, and exposure databases) could be considered to have reached mid-level TRLs, reflecting validation and readiness for practical use by utilities. An example of this could be the HVDC simplified induced electric field calculation for submarine cables or the submarine cable EMF assessment framework.
Future progression could be characterised not by higher TRLs but by broader application, including field trials, integration into utility practices, and use in regulatory and stakeholder contexts.
Recommendations for further work
Many of the strands within this project are ongoing, with incremental research outcomes published every year. The long-term goals of EMF research are to understand any current and emerging risks to human health, flora and fauna and other equipment. The P60 program is a holistic on-going program, which investigates these issues to help industry understand, manage and mitigate those risks.
The current portfolio addresses the issues of new or expanding use of different technologies. This will lead to additional issues being highlighted, which in turn will lead to recommendations for future work in subsequent years.
Total NIA Expenditure on project
Total External Costs: £ 1,725,886.60
Total Indirect Costs: £ 49,7261.52
Total Internal Costs: £ 67,238.84
Grand Total: £ 2,290,386.96
Lessons Learnt
Several of the strands of work within this program have benefited from active involvement by National Grid scientists and engineers. This includes active promotion of research items that will benefit UK consumers. National Grid regards one of the lessons learned as understanding that the maximum benefit from a subscription to a program like this is obtained not just by providing the funding but by active engagement and influence over the conduct of the research and the shaping of the program. National Grid is currently the Utility Advisory Board Chair which is adding value to the subscription. Many of the research strands have helped the electricity industry and stakeholders in the UK with communication around EMF and health and assessing impacts of future technologies, which in turn is supporting the transition to net zero. Areas which are expanding to aid this transition, such as offshore transmission and battery storage, are actively being researched by the program to help answer stakeholder questions and ensure the technology can be rolled out without issue.
In addition, and consistent with the scale and duration of the program, several key lessons have been identified to inform future project delivery and maximise ongoing value to stakeholders:
1. Applied outputs maximise value
What we have learnt: Research is most effective when translated into practical tools, guidance, and communication materials.
Why it matters: Tangible outputs support adoption, improve decision-making, and clearly demonstrate value to Ofgem and wider stakeholders.
What we will do differently: Future projects will seek to ensure research outputs are, where feasible, complemented by actionable tools and guidance to support adoption.
2. Structured stakeholder engagement is essential
What we have learnt: Continuous engagement with network operators and technical experts improves relevance and applicability of research results.
Why it matters: Alignment with stakeholder needs strengthens impact and supports regulatory and operational application.
What we will do differently: Future programs will aim to include engagement points across scoping, delivery, and validation stages, where appropriate.
3. Program-level delivery increases impact
What we have learnt: Delivering work as a coordinated program enables cumulative learning and stronger integration of outputs.
Why it matters: This approach enhances efficiency, avoids duplication, and provides a clearer, more compelling value narrative.
What we will do differently: Future work will continue to consider program-based approaches, with an emphasis on maintaining clear linkages between related activities.
Dissemination
There are three principal methods for disseminating the learning to other network licensees and to consumers and the broader public:
- https://www.emfs.info/ - the science of EMF, location and policy
- Peer-reviewed scientific publications (which are listed on https://www.emfs.info/)
- The ENA EMF Strategy Committee, where updates on research are a standing item on the agendas for the twice-yearly meetings
Year 2024/25
- Peer-reviewed publication of a multi-country study of childhood leukemia in residences near electrical transformer rooms (Product ID 3002028995)
- Peer-reviewed publications on the relationship between pesticide use near power lines with childhood leukemia in a California-based case control study (3002027316 and 3002021625)
- Supplemental Project Notice issued on 09 May 2024: Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) Assessment of Submarine Cables (3002030382)
- Supplemental Project Notice issued on 20 May 2024: Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) Engineering Support (3002030380)
- EMF remain a point of concern, particularly in the context of recent infrastructure developments.
- An assortment of EMF management options exist but no one solution can be universally applied.
- Assessment of EMF impacts is necessary as part of utility permitting processes.
- EPRI tools and knowledge can be leveraged to identify cost-effective EMF management strategies.
- Results of EPRI’s EMF assessment informs utility Environmental Impact Assessment process to make better informed decisions.
Year 2025/26
The following peer reviewed papers and commentaries have been published in publicly accessible journals:
1. Olsen, R.; Swanson, J.; Tran, P. eLetter Re: This Article [Electromagnetic Fields Disrupt the Pollination Service by Honeybees, 12 May 2023]. Published in Science advances Volume 9, Issue 19. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh1455
2. Rzempoluch, J.; Goddard, K.; Chaudhary, S.; Callender, G.; Olsen, R.; Dix, J. (2025). Electric Fields Induced by Water Movement in Proximity to HVDC Submarine Cables. Oceanic Engineering, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1109/JOE.2025.3556152
3. RG Olsen and JT Leman, A computationally simple method for induced electric fields near subsea HVDC cables, Wind Energy and Engineering Research, Vol 4, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.weer.2025.100021
4. R. G. Olsen and J. B. Schneider, "Why Faraday Shields Are Easily Compromised by Conductor Penetrations with a Practical Example," in IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Magazine, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 69-75, 1st Quarter 2026, https://doi.org/10.1109/MEMC.2026.11435326
In January 2026, EPRI held the ‘Transmission & Substation European Workshop 2026’ (with P60 EMF/RF Health Assessment and Safety at Leamington Spa, along with additional speakers including National Grid. Network Licensees were invited to attend where various research results and topics were rolled out to the various utilities. Topics discussed included:
- EMF Health Studies
- Update on EMF health effects
- Progress of EPRI-University Bristol study of other environmental exposures and demographic changes around powerlines
- Simple Calculation for Induced Electric Field near HVDC Submarine Cables
- Underwater cable configurations
- Incorporation of geomagnetic field into calculations
- EMF Risk Communication
- Factors affecting perceptions of risk
- Communication approaches
- Impacts from internet, social media, and AI
- Practical examples (case studies)
In addition to this, a number of technical webinars have presented research outcomes, measurement techniques and risk communication strategies to the funders. These include:
- P60 Technical Webinar: Interpreting Epidemiology Publications (20th March 2025)
- P60 Technical webinar: Electrostatic Induction (22nd May 2025)
- P60 Technical webinar: Magnetic Induction (10th July 2025)
- P60 Technical webinar: BfS ELF EMF and Leukemia Animal Study (6th November 2025)
