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Green Gen Cymru Unveils Smaller “Monopole” Pylons for Welsh Grid Upgrade
By Drooid · · How we work
New Monopole Design Unveiled for Wales Power Grid
Green Gen Cymru has introduced a 22-metre (72-ft) single-pole “monopole” intended to replace the 27-metre steel pylons originally proposed for three major transmission routes linking on-shore wind farms to the wider grid. The slimmer structure is meant to reduce visual impact while still carrying the capacity required for the planned upgrades across mid and west Wales. A prototype is slated for installation in early 2027, and the company says the design will be part of a “toolkit” that also includes wooden poles and underground cables.
Context: Grid Upgrade Plans and Political Backdrop
The firm plans to invest nearly £1 billion by 2030 to upgrade lines affecting Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Powys and Shropshire. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) and local land-owner groups have already taken legal action against the original steel-pylon scheme, arguing that any overhead structure remains a major intrusion into the countryside.
Official Statements from Green Gen Cymru and Welsh Government
The Welsh government declined to comment on specific planning proposals, noting the ministerial role in the process, but reiterated its National Energy Strategy aimed at meeting Wales’ energy demand sustainably.
Community Reaction and Opposition
Local residents remain divided. Phillip Richardson, 78, questioned the cost-benefit balance, asking, “Why spend money replacing [pylons] with something that’s only marginally better?” By contrast, Robin Daniels, 58, welcomed the reduced visual footprint, noting the need to decarbonise and the expense of burying cables. Farmer Dyfan Walters, near Llandovery, called undergrounding the only acceptable option but praised the design change as “a win for the community.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “If people want to live in the modern world with the television and internet then they have to have some sacrifices somewhere - even if it is a pylon in the middle of a field.” — Anthony Read
- “It's all down to cost but if something's hidden it's better for the environment.” — Four
- “Why spend money replacing [pylons] with something that's only marginally better?” — Phillip Richardson