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Etchea Energy reroutes £430 million cable after fan uproar

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Etchea Energy rerouted its £430 million UK-Ireland cable after fans objected to crossing Dobby’s fictional grave at Freshwater West beach, Wales.
Founder Simon Ludlam said the company received hundreds of calls after his BBC Wales interview.
Fans placed stones at the site despite National Trust requests, prompting planners to alter the route near Bronze Age remains.
The project stays on schedule.
Ludlam joked the fictional character almost sank a multi-million-pound project.

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Story summary

Etchea Energy rerouted its £430 million UK-Ireland cable after fans objected to crossing Dobby’s fictional grave at Freshwater West beach, Wales.
Founder Simon Ludlam said the company received hundreds of calls after his BBC Wales interview.
Fans placed stones at the site despite National Trust requests, prompting planners to alter the route near Bronze Age remains.
The project stays on schedule.
Ludlam joked the fictional character almost sank a multi-million-pound project.