Identifying the preferred routes
Working with our specialist consultants, we carefully identified and assessed a number of potential overhead line route options to connect the new Energy Parks to the electricity network.
Our proposed overhead line network has been carefully designed to take into consideration the technical requirements and how each option might affect local communities, the landscape and local views, biodiversity, forestry, cultural heritage, flood risk and other land uses along the route.
We then selected a preferred route and identified a potential draft alignment, including indicative wood pole positions, for both the Aberedw and Bryn Gilwern grid connections. We believe the preferred routes achieve the best balance between our technical requirements and minimising the impact on the environment and the nearby communities.
In developing our proposals, we have aimed to reduce the potential visual effects as much as possible, carefully considering the viewpoints from locations such as properties, and using existing trees and vegetation for natural screening where possible.
Our aim is to meet the technical needs of the projects while carefully balancing and respecting the sensitivities of the surrounding environment. We will continue to refine our proposals as we progress the design and alignment for the two new overhead lines, considering the terrain and seeking ways to further reduce the potential impacts on the environment and those who live, work and spend time in the area.
Interactive map
Explore our interactive map showing the preferred routes, and the draft alignment, including indicative wood pole positions for the Aberedw and Bryn Gilwern connections.
Zoom in on specific areas you would like to see and click on each route to see the wood pole reference numbers.
Consultation closed
Please note that the non-statutory consultation for the Aberedw and Bryn Gilwern Grid Connection projects, held from 11 September to 23 October 2024, has now closed. This map will be updated as part of Green GEN Cymru’s statutory public consultation, planned in 2026.
Our preferred route explained
The preferred route will start at the site for the substation for the proposed Aberedw Energy Park, located approximately 3 kilometres east of Builth Wells in Powys. The route, just over 1 kilometre in length, descends from the top of Aberedw Hill in the direction of the A481, and will connect into the proposed new switching station, at the foot of Aberedw Hill.
Aberedw Hill is a prominent feature in this area, and in terms of landscape and visual amenity, all route options are considered to be equally balanced.
Of the route options we considered, the preferred route was carefully selected as it is the shortest route, and it limits interactions with floodplains, peat, and private water supplies.
The preferred route avoids woodland and designated cultural heritage assets.
Our preferred route explained
Our preferred route will start at the substation site for the proposed Bryn Gilwern Energy Park, in Powys. The route then heads towards the A481 before crossing it to connect into the proposed switching station, located at the foot of Aberedw Hill, north-east of Builth Wells.
The preferred route, approximately 5 kilometres in length, is the shortest route option, and likely to have the least impact on the landscape and visual amenity, and avoids impacts on forestry, woodland, and flood risk. However, effects on the setting of the Castle Bank Hillfort, Court Stone Row and its interrelated Court Standing Stone (which are scheduled monuments), and reducing potential effects on common land will form a key consideration at the detailed pole siting stage.
More information
You can read more about the routeing work we’ve carried out and the processes we’ve gone through to identify the preferred routes for each connection, in the Routeing and Consultation Documents (RCD) available in our documents section.