HUNDREDS of concerned residents have gathered at a public meeting over proposals to build a trans-county energy network near Kington.

Part of Welsh firm Bute Energy’s plans to create a clean and green renewable energy network would see a substation and 36 wind turbines being built in the heart of the Radnor Forest, between New Radnor and Llandegley in Powys, and the introduction of pylons carrying electricity between Powys and Carmarthenshire.

But at a public meeting held at the Royal Welsh Showground near Builth Wells on Thursday, March 2, proposals were met with “hostility”.

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The meeting was attended by Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones, Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell, as well as representatives of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) and Countryside Alliance Wales, in addition to hundreds of local residents.

“If Bute’s consultations get anywhere close to the crowds we have had they will know the level of hostility to their proposal,” said CPRW spokesperson Ross Evans.

“The public are confused as to why Bute are implementing consultations on the pylon proposal before they have even submitted their application.”

Hereford Times: A map of the proposed Green GEN Towy Usk project A map of the proposed Green GEN Towy Usk project (Image: None)

Rachel Evans, director for Wales for the Countryside Alliance, added: “The number of people who came to the Builth meeting demonstrates the strength of feeling about the proposals.

“There is huge concern about the effect pylons will have on the landscape and the knock-on effect on the tourism sector.

“There was also particular concern that the Nant Mithil Energy Park that Bute constantly refer too doesn’t actually exist and hasn’t even been applied for through the planning process yet.”

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MS Mr Campbell said that when climate change minister Welsh Julie James was challenged in the Senedd earlier this year, she confirmed that the Welsh Government’s policy is that electricity transmission cables should be underground where possible.

“Considering the rich natural beauty and historic significance of mid Powys and the Tywi Valley, I have no doubt any proposed pylons should be underground,” said Mr Campbell.

MP Ms Jones said: “The message was clear in that the public want the cables buried and do not want to see the steel framed pylons which they consider would blight the landscape and have a negative impact on our tourism sector, a sector we heavily rely upon in our rural communities across Brecon and Radnor.”  

Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy group, announced plans for the Green GEN Towy Usk renewable energy network on March 6, with an initial consultation period running until April 28.

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The proposal is for a new 132kV double-circuit overhead line, supported on steel pylons, between a substation at Bute Energy’s Nant Mithil Energy Park and a new substation on the existing National Grid line between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham.

Plans for the new 36-turbine Nant Mithil Energy Park were first announced last September. Bute Energy said it is currently reviewing the feedback from this and further consultation will take place this summer – the company confirmed it will be applying to the Welsh Government for planning consent.

Gareth Williams, grid director at Bute Energy, said: “As a nation we’re in a climate emergency and a cost-of-living crisis.

“There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.

“Bute Energy is taking action to help deliver clean green energy to our homes and businesses by developing the energy network in Wales. This will help tackle both the energy crisis and the climate crisis and make sure that local communities can live modern electric lives with less reliance on fossil fuels.”

You can find out more about the Green GEN Towy Usk project at www.greengentowyusk.com.