Developer Green GEN Cymru is launching a consultation on the proposed Rhiwlas Green Energy Network (Rhiwlas GEN) project in Wales, which will connect 145MW of green energy to the National Grid and help rural communities to decarbonise heat, power and transport.
The scheme will link Bute Energy’s proposed Banc Du and Rhiwlas Energy Parks to the planned Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton renewable energy network, which will then connect it to the National Grid. Combined, the Energy Parks have the potential to generate around 145MW of electricity, enough to power over 124,000 homes per year.
Rhiwlas GEN has been launched to help meet the need for infrastructure in Mid Wales, with an aim to contribute to a more resilient and reliable network for the region. The proposal is for a new 132kV overhead line on wooden poles, between Rhiwlas Energy Park and a new collector substation near Cefn Coch, proposed as part of Green GEN Cymru’s Vyrnwy-Frankton connection project.
The wooden ‘H’ poles supporting the wires are anticipated to be approximately 12 metres to 14 metres high depending on topography. An underground cable will also link the proposed Banc Du and Rhiwlas Energy Parks.
As part of the consultation, Green GEN Cymru has published its preferred route corridor, which has been selected based on initial assessments across a range of factors including potential effects on landscape, the environment and communities. Residents have been asked to provide their views so Green GEN Cymru can refine its plans to keep disturbance to those who live, work and enjoy recreation near to the project to a minimum.
A public consultation will run from Wednesday 15 November 2023 to Wednesday 10 January 2024. This includes a series of drop-in sessions along the proposed route corridor to provide more information and speak to the project team.
The details events will be held on Thursday 30 November, from 2.30pm-7.30pm at Cefn Coch Inn, Cefn Coch, Welshpool, SY21 0AE; Friday 1 December from 2.30pm-7.30pm at Llangurig Community Centre, Llangurig, Llanidloes, SY18 6SG; Tuesday 5 December from 3pm–8pm at Carno Community Centre, Carno, Caersws, SY17 5LH.
The public will be able to provide feedback on the proposed corridor, as well as give their views on whether there are any considerations which Green GEN Cymru should take into account as the plans are refined. The developer is also asking for ideas on areas in the local community that people feel could benefit from investment from its Community Benefit Fund.
“We’re excited to launch the consultation for the Rhiwlas Green Energy Network. We are in a climate emergency and projects such as this will play an important role in connecting clean, green energy to homes and businesses,” said Bute Energy grid director Gareth Williams.
“We know that people have different views on new infrastructure like we’re proposing for this project. That is why our consultation, at this early stage, is so important,” he added.
“We are keen to hear the views of local communities on the initial work we’ve done to identify our preferred route and to understand whether there is anything else we should consider as we refine our proposals ahead of further technical work, surveys and assessments over the coming weeks and months.
“Both Welsh and UK governments have set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation and the reduction of carbon emissions.
“Earlier this year, a progress report from the Committee on Climate Change, the UK’s independent advisor on tackling climate change, highlighted the need for new energy infrastructure, such as grid upgrades, in Wales to be taken forward at pace.
“This was supported by a recent report from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales that called for improved grid provision to meet these targets.
“Projects such as Rhiwlas GEN will help to develop a more resilient energy network in Wales.”
New overhead lines of 132kV associated with a devolved generation station are classed as a Development of National Significance (DNS) in Wales.
This means developers must submit consent applications to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), and decisions are made by Welsh Ministers.
This consultation period forms the first of several phases of consultation, meaning local communities and consultees will have several points at which to share their views over coming months before an application is submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
More information on the project, including contact details and an interactive map of the preferred route corridor, can be found at: www.rhiwlasGEN.wales.