We want to make sure Wales has the energy it needs in a Net Zero world
There's endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains. But we need to get the green energy generated to the many homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and communities that need it in the rest of Wales and beyond.
Much of the existing electricity network infrastructure in Wales was built many years ago to transport energy from old fossil-fuel power stations in the north and south. The existing network in Mid Wales does not have nearly enough capacity to connect all the new renewable energy we need for our homes and businesses, locally and nationally. To end the use of fossil fuels we need new infrastructure, and quickly.
We want to build a positive, clean future for us all. We are acting now to build and operate a green energy network for Wales, that will make sure renewable energy can flow to our homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and communities.
Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru (Green GEN Cymru) is playing a pivotal role in providing a reliable and robust distribution network that will tackle the energy crisis and climate crisis. It will also empower rural communities through investment, jobs, and skills, enabling communities to live modern electric lives.
Our proposals for Green GEN Towy Usk
Our second non-statutory consultation is now open:
Wednesday 13 March to Wednesday 8 May 2024
We have made a number of changes to our original plans - have your say on our revised proposals.
Connecting clean, green energy from renewable generators in Wales to the national transmission network
Green GEN Towy Usk – a new 132kV electricity connection that will transport clean, green energy from renewable generators in Wales to the national transmission network.
The proposed Towy Usk connection will link Bute Energy's Nant Mithil Energy Park, which will generate clean, green energy in the Radnor Forest area, to the national grid near Llandyfaelog, Carmarthenshire.
Importantly, other green energy projects – including Bute Energy's proposed Aberedw, and Bryn Gilwern Energy Parks – will also be able to connect to the proposed Green GEN Towy Usk connection, reducing the amount of additional infrastructure needed in future. It is anticipated that the two energy parks will use single-circuit overhead lines supported on wood poles to connect to Green GEN Towy Usk.
Green GEN Towy Usk could also allow direct connection of community projects, while reducing pressure on the existing electricity grid, supporting energy resilience, green businesses and enabling green heating and the roll out of electric vehicles across Wales – particularly in rural areas.
Our original proposals
During spring 2023, we consulted local people on our preferred route for Green GEN Towy Usk.
Our original proposal for the connection was for a double-circuit overhead line, carried on steel pylons throughout the route.
Our revised proposals
We carefully considered all feedback received in our first round of consultation, alongside further environmental and technical assessments. We have now revised our plans and have identified a draft route alignment which shows where the infrastructure might go.
We have made a number of changes to our proposals to include:
- a single-circuit overhead line supported on wood poles between Nant Mithil Energy Park and a new switching substation at the foot of Aberedw Hill;
- a section of underground cable where the route crosses the River Towy near Llanarthney, and;
- some alterations to the route in other places.
Have your say - Wednesday 13 March to 8 May 2024
During this second round of consultation, we are asking for your feedback on the draft route alignment, including proposed locations of wood poles, pylons, underground cables, and other infrastructure, along with any other factors you would like us to consider.