Protecting our Landscape from Large Scale Pylons
Updated: January 2024
A substantial number of local residents have contacted me with their concerns about Bute Energy and Green GEN Cymru’s plans to develop a new windfarm and substation within Montgomeryshire, which would see up to 25 large wind turbines built.
Currently, as there is no National Grid infrastructure capable of collecting and distributing generated power, Green GEN Cymru have proposed a substation which would connect energy parks through large lattice pylons and a new 132kv overhead line through parts of North Powys. This would be linked to the main grid connection in Shropshire.
Many will remember previous large-scale windfarm proposals of a decade ago, where our communities reacted in force against the total lack of consideration and empathy for residents and landscapes shown by National Grid and developers. It is vital that renewable energy companies ensure that they take communities with them, rather than imposing projects upon Mid Wales.
Craig Williams MP and I have attended public meetings, including a well-attended meeting in Meifod. It is important that people keep attending public meetings, consultation events and respond to any consultation by the developers.
Whilst, it is important that that as our power needs increase and more renewable power sources come online, such as farm scale renewables, that we do have improved grid connections. However, the line proposed would do little to help such projects in Mid Wales.
These proposals specifically refer to an overhead as opposed to underground connection. It is important to keep in mind that undergrounding cables is also not without its issues. I have concerns that there could be further constructed pylon lines through the Vyrnwy Valley and other areas.
Furthermore, the size of newly proposed wind turbines is a concern. Using huge offshore scale turbines onshore, is not appropriate for our landscape. The industrialisation of our landscape with large-scale windfarms and pylons criss-crossing mid Wales hills and valleys is not acceptable.
The people of Montgomeryshire have fought hard over the past decade to campaign against large scale pylons to protect our beautiful landscape. We must be ready to oppose any further inappropriate plans.
