Plans for a huge new network of electricity pylons crossing into north Shropshire have been revealed.
Bute Energy wants to install a power line connecting its proposed new windfarm in Mid Wales to the National Grid near Lower Frankton - a distance of around 40 miles.
The windfarm would see 25 turbines built at the newly revealed Llyn Lort Energy Park, to the west of Cefn Coch in Montgomeryshire.
Bute Energy said Mid Wales' current energy network does not have the capacity to support the windfarm, which it says will produce enough power for the equivalent of 144,000 homes.
The company also says it is similar to previous National Grid plans, but with pylons that are "significantly shorter and less bulky", meaning "any visual effects will be significantly reduced".
What Bute Energy says
Bute Energy said the proposed route for the connection was selected based on a range of factors including potential effects on landscape, the environment and communities, adding that Green GEN Cymru, which is part of the Bute Energy Group, is focused on causing "the least disturbance to those who live, work and enjoy recreation close to the proposals and is committed to protecting the surrounding environment".
An initial six-week public consultation opens today (Wednesday, September 6) and runs to Wednesday, October 18, with drop-in sessions and webinars to allow people to view information and have their say.
The proposed Llyn Lort Energy Park is classed as a Development of National Significance which means a decision on the application will be made by Welsh Ministers. Bute Energy currently expects to submit a planning application in late 2024, after a “thorough” public engagement.
Gareth Williams, grid director at Bute Energy, said: “As a nation we’re in a climate emergency, and a cost-of-living crisis. Our supply of energy is threatened by world events.
"Yet there is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.
“Bute Energy is taking action now to help deliver clean green energy to our homes and businesses by developing the energy network in Wales. This will help tackle both the climate crisis and make sure that local communities can live modern electric lives with less reliance on fossil fuels.
“We know that people have differing views on new infrastructure, and we are committed to doing everything we can to cause the least disturbance to the environment and those who live, work and enjoy recreation close to our proposals.
"We’d urge people to have their say on our plans so that we can develop the best solution for the environment and for communities across Wales.”
Consultation events to be held
Members of the public will be able to find out more information about the projects at the following public events:
Lower Hordley: Thursday, September 21, from 2pm to 7pm, at Hordley & Bagley Village Hall, Lower Hordley, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9BQ
Llanymynech: Friday, September 22, from 2pm to 7pm at Llanymynech Village Hall, Station Road, Llanymynech, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY22 6E
Llanfair Caereinion: Saturday, September 23, from 11am to 4pm at Llanfair Caereinion Public Hall and Institute, Bridge Street, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 0RY
Carno: Monday, September 25, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm at Carno Community Centre, Carno SY17 5LH
Cefn Coch: Tuesday, September 26, from 3pm to 7pm at the Cefn Coch Inn, Cefn Coch, Welshpool SY21 0AE
Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain: Wednesday, September 27, from 2pm to 7pm at Llansantffraid Community Centre, Treflan, Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, SY22 6AE
West Felton: Thursday, September 28, from 10.30am to 5pm at West Felton Village Hall, Holyhead Road, West Felton, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 4EH
Meifod: Friday, September 29, from 3pm to 7pm at Meifod Village Hall, Community Centre, Meifod, SY22 6DF
Online webinars will also be held during the consultation period. Information on these and how to attend is available at www.greengenvyrnwyfrankton.com and www.llynlortenergypark.wales
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