Towy-Usk Pylon line
There have been a lot of concerns around the proposed Towy Usk Pylon line, taking power from Radnor Forest to Carmarthen.
We have submitted initial comments to the first consultation, working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts.
The developer has submitted the EIA Scoping Report to PEDW and we are formulating a more detailed response based on this. We await PEDWs comments.
If RWT is not satisfied with the detail in the Scoping Report we will contact the developer.
We will make a formal response to the planning application once it is submitted.
As with the turbines, our focus will be on ensuring that wildlife and habitats are protected. Increasing the grid capacity has merits, but it is disappointing that power cannot be generated closer to those areas that need it the most, removing the need for such a long cable line installation. However, all power generation requires infrastructure and energy currently moves long distances across the UK and beyond.
The landscapes of Radnorshire and mid Wales are high quality. Were we in an AONB or National Park, there would be large sums made available for undergrounding cables. Not all sections could be undergrounded, on this line due to sensitive habitats being present, but some can.
We need the best option available to meet both the UK’s goals for nature and goals for climate. This requires long-term investment in the landscape, nature and people from national infrastructure.
The below document by CAAV has some excellent guidance on the merits of undergrounding vs over grounding pylons, which we encourage people to read: