NFU Cymru continues to press for electricity cables transmitting power from Wylfa to be laid under the sea bed to Deeside rather than using overhead and underground cables across the island of Anglesey.
During a recent Anglesey NFU Cymru meeting, representatives from the National Grid explained to farmers and landowners that their preferred route for future electricity transmission is from Wylfa to the Pentir sub-station on the mainland, using overhead and/or underground cables. The current overhead line which follows approximately the same route will also be remaining in place.
Anglesey NFU Cymru County Chairman, Christine Jones said, “It was extremely disappointing to learn that even though undersea cable is technologically possible National Grid is not going to purse this option due to costs. We have now asked National Grid for figures to show the difference in capital to whole life costs and subsequent cost impacts on electricity bills of the various options considered in the original consultation.
“In the meantime National Grid is intent on pressing ahead and may be in contact with farmers and landowners as they carry out land referencing and baseline surveys and this is an ideal opportunity for those affected to once again question their choice. Also, with a General Election looming it is an ideal opportunity for farmers to raise any concerns with local parliamentary candidates.”
A consultation on alignment options is due out later this year and a statutory consultation is due out in 2016. Christine Jones, ended, “Our policy always has been and remains that the increased capacity requirement should be via an undersea cable from Wylfa to Deeside directly to a part of the country with high electricity demand. We will continue to lobby for this on behalf of our members on the island.”
