Protest group vow to hold off 'industrialisation' of Powys

RE-think wants all proposed industrial-scale onshore renewable energy schemes to be put on hold, following the publication of a new report carried out for the Welsh Government.

The report by the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) criticises what it calls “current short-sightedness of policy and regulation” regarding the deployment of renewables in Wales, which, it says, is not happening fast enough to address the climate emergency.

Many Powys residents are fearful that the picturesque local landscape could soon be blighted by wind turbines and multiple energy parks.

It wants the process sped up, with new onshore infrastructure brought forward at pace through changes to legislation and the planning process, community engagement and upgrades to the electricity grid.

But RE-think believes that such an approach in Mid Wales is not required, either through new onshore renewable energy developments or major grid upgrades.

Dr Jonathan Dean, who advises the group on technical issues, said: “In 2050 offshore wind alone accounts for over 80 per cent of energy generated. 

“This far exceeds what is required to get all of Wales to net zero without having any more renewables on land than we have today. The NICW appears to have missed this, despite having someone from the Electricity System Operator on their advisory panel.

“It’s no secret that there is no transmission line in Mid Wales, as none has been needed, and unless you fill Mid Wales with turbines or heavy industry, none will be needed.

“The distribution grid does need an upgrade and that is ongoing as part of a regular cycle.”

The issue has intensified since Bute Energy announced plans to launch its Green GEN Towy Usk project last September – which circles on its Nant Mithil Energy Park project in the Radnor Forest.

Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy group, wants to build up to 20 renewable energy parks across Wales.

Its proposed flagship project, Nant Mithil, near Llandegley, would include 36 turbines, each 220 metres tall, plus a new electricity substation linked via an overhead power line to the grid in Carmarthenshire 60 miles away.

Jenny Chryss, chair of RE-think, said: “The Welsh Government has no control over offshore wind, with the seabed leased by the Crown Estate. 

“This is probably why the majority of the NICW report is about onshore. Here in Mid Wales, we are already fighting industrialisation on a huge scale through a raft of proposed onshore wind developments, plus miles of associated power lines and pylons. 

“Given what is proposed offshore, we understand that this infrastructure is simply not required.

“In addition, many other potential renewable technologies also get no mention in this report, which largely relies on a selective collection of previously stated facts and figures.” 

Powys residents pore over Bute Energy proposals at a public exhibition at the Royal Welsh Showground near Builth Wells earlier this year. (Image: Matt Jones)

“They talk about community energy schemes, but I can’t imagine that there will be much appetite for these if the landscape has already been decimated by massive turbines and pylons. 

“We believe that community renewable energy schemes should take precedence over huge commercial ones.

“At least these could bring real benefit for local people who might then actually see the price of their electricity fall.”

RE-think is supporting a petition to the Senedd brought forward by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW). This calls for a moratorium on large-scale onshore wind developments, at least until the full potential of offshore wind has been properly taken into account.

For further information on RE-think, visit the Facebook page or email rethinkwales@gmail.com. You can sign the CPRW Petition at https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245471.