Wales Consults on Banning New Steel Electricity Pylons Across Nation
The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation proposing a ban on new steel electricity pylons, favouring an 'undergrounding-first approach' for future transmission infrastructure. This move reflects a broader environmental and aesthetic agenda, with ministers asserting that burying power lines should be the default for new projects.
Julie James, the Minister for Climate Change, emphasised the policy's aim to safeguard Wales's natural landscapes. She stated that while some exceptions might be necessary for 'unavoidable circumstances,' the clear expectation is that any new overhead lines will be placed underground wherever feasible. This policy, if adopted, would significantly alter how new energy infrastructure is developed across Wales.
The current consultation runs for 12 weeks, inviting responses from the public and industry stakeholders on the proposed changes to planning policy. This initiative aligns with a growing sentiment in the UK and beyond to minimise the visual impact of energy transmission, often citing concerns over landscape degradation and property values.
