Public consultation on Green Energy Network Launched – Powering Wales's Future
Green GEN Cymru is excited to announce the launch of Green GEN Towy Teifi, a transformative renewable energy network designed to seamlessly integrate clean, green energy into the National Grid.
This ground-breaking initiative is not just about connecting power; it's about empowering rural communities in Wales to embrace a sustainable future, rich with opportunities for investment, jobs, and skill development.
Connecting Communities and Power: The Vision of Green GEN Towy Teifi
The project will link Bute Energy’s proposed Lan Fawr Energy Park into a new National Grid substation proposed for south of Carmarthen. Lan Fawr Energy Park, located just north of Lampeter, Ceredigion, is currently being developed by Bute Energy. With up to 40 wind turbines, it could generate up to 264MW of electricity, enough to power 174,000 to 251,000 homes per year. This amount of green energy has the potential to displace 258,000 to 373,000 million tonnes of CO₂ per year.
The Green GEN Towy Teifi project proposes a new 132kV overhead line to connect Lan Fawr Energy Park to a new National Grid substation near Carmarthen, spanning approximately 52km. This new over head line is vital for the region, and with the benefit of local strategic connections, could not only reduce pressure on the existing grid but also pave the way for sustainable heating solutions and electric vehicle rollout.
Public Consultation: Your Voice Matters
A public consultation will run from Wednesday 24 January to Wednesday 6 March, featuring six public events for in-depth discussions and feedback opportunities. Green GEN Cymru is also asking for ideas on areas in the local communities along the route that people feel could benefit from investment from the Bute Energy Community Benefit Fund associated with the Lan Fawr Energy Park.
Investing in Rural Wales: A Future-Ready Approach
This project isn't just about infrastructure; it's about investing in the future of rural Wales. For every MW of installed capacity, Bute Energy commits £7,500 to the Community Benefit Fund, a unique opportunity for communities along the Green GEN Towy Teifi route. This fund will help to create lasting impact locally ensuring that the benefits of our renewable energy projects are felt by communities across Wales.
Gareth Williams, Grid Director at Bute Energy, emphasises the urgency of this initiative:
"In facing a climate emergency and cost-of-living crisis, it's imperative that we act swiftly to harness Wales' renewable energy potential. This project is more than infrastructure; it's a commitment to ensuring that Welsh communities thrive in an electric future, with reduced reliance on fossil fuels and overseas energy providers."
RenewableUK Cymru Director, Jess Hooper said:
"We have the potential to triple the amount of clean power produced from onshore wind if we can solve issues like the lack of grid connectivity. We welcome Green GEN Cymru working to tackle one the biggest barriers standing in the way of our ability to deliver the clean, green energy Wales needs to transition away from fossil fuels and empower our economy, environment and communities.”
Planning for Tomorrow, Today
This development is classified as a Development of National Significance in Wales, requiring a robust consultation process. We are at the first phase, inviting community input, with several more opportunities to engage in the coming months.
Learn More and Get Involved
For detailed information, including an interactive map and event details, visit www.greengentowyteifi.com