The National Grid's Western Link 2 scheme has sparked a debate about the need for a pylon network in Wales, with a leading countryside campaigner arguing that it demonstrates the unnecessary spoiling of Wales' landscape. This proposal, set to be consulted upon on June 23, aims to create a sub-sea electricity link between Scotland and Wales, connecting a Scottish offshore wind farm to the grid and facilitating power transmission. However, Dr. Jonathan Dean, a trustee of the countryside charity CPRE, questions the scheme's logic and potential implications.
Dr. Dean highlights a series of inconsistencies and unanswered questions. Firstly, he points out that National Grid's initial plans depicted the project entering north Wales, with Pentir in Gwynedd as a potential landing site. However, a 2024 Freedom of Information (FoI) release revealed that even without Western Link 2, there was a case for transmitting power out of north Wales, but not into south Wales. This seems puzzling, given that National Grid had previously stated the need for a holistic transmission solution in mid Wales due to onshore wind opportunities. Furthermore, a screening study conducted by National Grid in 2024 found that Baglan, in Neath Port Talbot, could be a feasible landing site, raising the question of why north Wales was chosen.
Dr. Dean speculates that the scheme might be linked to the proposed Wylfa nuclear power station on Anglesey, but questions the official lack of decision on this project. He also wonders if the plan is an 'insurance policy' in case the Green Gen projects fail to secure consent. The campaigner adds that the Holistic Network Design (HND) update, now called the 'transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan' (tCSNP), has doubled the capacity of Western Link 2, depicted as a separate cable into Bodelwyddan. This raises further questions about the need for onshore generation, given the existing capacity from Scotland, Wylfa, and the Irish Sea.
In Dr. Dean's view, the scheme's purpose and timing are unclear. He suggests that the majority of future electricity demand is in south Wales, and Baglan could be a more suitable landing site. The campaigner also questions the need for onshore pylons to connect north and south Wales, especially with the capacity upgrade of the Pentir-Trawsfynydd line, which could provide four circuits of 2-3GW each. Dr. Dean concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing these unanswered questions and the need for a more transparent and holistic approach to energy planning in Wales.
Personally, I find this debate fascinating, as it highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of large-scale energy infrastructure projects. The National Grid's scheme, while aiming to address capacity constraints and reduce costs, raises questions about the need for onshore pylons and the potential impact on Wales' landscape. The inconsistencies in the planning process and the lack of clarity on the scheme's purpose are particularly intriguing. It is essential to carefully consider these issues and engage in open dialogue with the public to ensure that any energy solutions are not only technically sound but also environmentally and socially responsible.
