A GREEN energy company proposing to build a 60-mile network of pylons through Powys has thanked members of the Powys public after an initial round of consultation.

Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy group, wants to build up to 20 renewable energy parks across Wales, along with associated infrastructure.

The proposed Nant Mithil Energy Park in the Radnor Forest would include 36 turbines, each 220 metres tall, plus a new electricity substation linked via an overhead power line to the grid in Carmarthenshire 60 miles away.

Green GEN Cymru said more than 2,500 people took part in an initial round of consultation on the proposed Green GEN Towy Usk renewable energy network, with public exhibitions held in Powys in March and three others throughout Mid Wales, with the initial round of consultation concluding at the end of April.

County Times: Many people living locally have made their stance on pylon clear Many people living locally have made their stance on pylon clear (Image: Matt Jones)

Gareth Williams, grid director at Bute Energy, said: “There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales, particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.

“But we know that people have differing views on new infrastructure and we are focused on causing the least disturbance to the environment and those who live, work and enjoy recreation close to our proposals.”

The consultation included five consultation events and three online webinars where people commented on the company’s preferred route and the design of the project. Feedback will be considered, along with assessments from environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation in early 2024.

“We heard local people tell us that they had concerns about the visual impact of our plans, asking us to consider undergrounding parts of the route, and wanting to understand more about the potential impact on the communities the route passes through,” added Gareth.

“Over the next few months we will be reviewing feedback from local people, along with reports from environmental and technical surveys, and use it to evolve the design and routing of the project, responding to the issues that have been raised.

“We anticipate that our next round of consultation will be in early 2024, ahead of submitting an application for a development of national significance to the Welsh Government in 2025."

Green GEN Towy Usk would link Bute Energy’s Nant Mithil Energy Park in the Radnor Forest area – and a number of other energy parks in the early feasibility stage – to the National Grid at a point near Carmarthen.

The company behind proposals says it could reduce pressure on the existing electricity grid, supporting green businesses and enabling green heating and the roll out of electric vehicles across rural Wales.

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Green GEN Towy Usk could also allow direct connection of community projects, and support technologies like 5G.

They claim is will tackle both the energy crisis and the climate crisis, and empower rural communities through investment, jobs and skills, enabling communities across Wales to live modern electric lives, supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100 per cent renewable by 2035.

A community benefit fund worth about £4 million a year will be made available for local organisations, charities, and community groups.

The company is also working with local education, training, and employability providers to create routes to work in the renewable energy industry.

They say the Bute Energy and Green GEN Cymru portfolio has the potential to support up to 6,500 jobs during construction and up to 150 skilled long-term jobs during operation across Wales.

Many people living along proposed routes, however, have reacted angrily to the controversial plans, with an action group created while public exhibitions attracted protesters.

‘RE-think: Don’t Break the Heart of Wales’ officially opened for business with a stand at the Smallholding and Countryside Festival at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd on Saturday, May 20.