Preferred electricity route from Brechfa Forest wind farms selected
The preferred alignment for the Brechfa Forest Connection Project was selected after listening to feedback from members of the public, elected representatives, statutory consultees and community councils in two phases of consultation.
The project would connect both Brechfa Forest East and Brechfa Forest West wind farms to the electricity network. Both wind farms are being developed by RWE Innogy. The plans no longer connect Bryn Llywelyn wind farm following RES’ withdrawal of the connection offer in May 2014.
The total length of the connection is around 30 kilometres (19 miles) of which WPD is proposing to underground around seven kilometres (4.3 miles). The main sections of underground cables are 3.2 kilometres (two miles) beneath the River Towy and a similar length under the River Cothi. Further underground cables would be used immediately to the west of Abergorlech. The rest of the connection will be made by overhead line on single and twin wood poles.
The preferred route alignment extends from Llandyfaelog, east of Idole, underneath the River Towy then to the west of Peniel. As the route approaches Alltwalis it turns east towards the Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Substation. Between Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Substation and Brechfa Forest East Wind Farm Substation the route passes north of Brechfa village and then underneath the River Cothi alongside Pont Ynys Brechfa. The route then travels up the Cothi Valley towards Abergorlech using the more southerly option before crossing back under the River Cothi and up the hill to Brechfa Forest East Wind Farm Substation.
Andrew Hubbold at WPD said:
“WPD has an obligation to connect the wind farm developer to the electricity network.
“Following two stages of consultation and extensive technical and environmental surveys, we have now chosen our preferred route alignment which includes two sections of underground cable at the River Cothi and one across the Towy Valley.
“In autumn this year WPD will publish a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) which sets out how the third and final stage of consultation will be carried out on this proposed connection. Consultation events, information points and how you can provide feedback and comments on the preferred route alignment will be publicised. I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Following this phases of consultation, an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. The Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State who will make a decision on the application.
- Brechfa Forest