Three major pylon lines currently proposed for Wales
Associated new infrastructure, substations and switch gear
Wind farm connections by overhead lines on wood poles, several planned plus others to come
Future line of large pylons through the length of Wales
Electricity transmission for export to the UK grid only, no improvement for local distribution
Threat
Wales is currently the target for an onslaught of industrial scale development proposals. Three new electricity transmission lines are planned by Green GEN Cymru, predominantly overhead cables supported on steel lattice pylons. The lines would run through some of the most beautiful parts of rural Wales and threaten to change the landscape forever. Additionally, further in future, National Grid intend to create a North-South transmission line running the entire length of the country, although no route has yet been confirmed.
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The lines are for electricity transmission only, feeding power generated by new renewables installations into the grid to satisfy increasing demands predominately in densely populated parts of Britain. This has nothing to do with the distribution network that supplies electricity to our homes and businesses. Wales already produces far more electricity than it consumes and exports about 40% to England. There is no benefit whatsoever to Wales in increasing export capacity by installing new lines.
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The pylon lines are inextricably linked with proposals to construct huge new wind farms across mid Wales. Their sole purpose is to transfer electricity generated by distant wind turbines in the proposed "energy parks". Green GEN Cymru are very closely tied to Bute Energy who are aiming to build over a dozen big wind farm in Wales.
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Opinion
We are strongly opposed to the defacing of our landscape by unwanted pylon lines and other inappropriate developments. Green GEN Cymru, along with other developers, are taking advantage of the government's renewable energy and Net Zero policies. That's not "green", bit all about the money. There is no concern for the environment or climate emergency, regardless of the rhetoric. These industrial, brutal, structures must not be allowed to march down our beautiful green valleys so loved by residents and the many visitors.
So what is the alternative?
Many people, including some politicians, are calling for the power lines to be buried underground. That way the electricity can still flow, unseen and without the pylons. However, that is not a simple answer. The developers don't like it because it's an expensive option, though that's a poor excuse. There are also far more serious issues to consider. The process of laying high-power cables underground by traditional methods is very destructive to the local environment. It also has a number of long-term implications. Alternative, very specialised installation methods can improve on that in many situations. Where new cables are absolutely essential, or indeed where overhead lines already exist in places where they would be better hidden, there is no doubt that burying them underground is the preferable choice, especially if taking advantage of a combination of installation methods. However, there are still drawbacks. Read more about these methods on our construction page.
The only real answer is that there should be no new transmission lines at all in our rural valleys. The need for them is unfounded and unproven. Large scale wind farms in remote locations are not "green" and rather than preventing environmental damage, will most likely make it worse. Without the transmission lines the wind farms are not viable. With no wind farms the pylon lines are not needed. The link between pylons and wind farms cannot be separated and the giant wind turbines are just another aspect of the potential industrialisation of the rural and wild parts of the Welsh countryside.
We are not against renewable energy, quite the opposite. We are acutely aware of the environmental emergency faced by the planet. It will not be solved by destroying yet more land in the pursuit of highly dubious strategies promoted by commercial companies and politicians, whose motivations are based on profit and power. There are better ways toward a sustainable future - see this examination of renewable energy option on the Our Tywi Valley website.
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About this website
This website is simply an information source and focal point. It does not represent any particular campaign group and does not have any political party affiliation. There is no membership or mailing subscription, nor do we ask for any donations. The aim is just to present relevant facts, in an accessible manner. We fully support the many organisations fighting inappropriate developments, not only here in in Wales but elsewhere.
SAY NO TO PYLONS!
