Saturday
20
April
‘Expect energy hub verdict in February’
28/09/2011 @ 04:29
The decision on where to locate a controversial 19-acre substation connected to proposed windfarm developments will only be made after the opinions of 2,000 residents are taken on board.And that, according to ScottishPower Energy Networks Project Manager, Steven Edwards, who spoke exclusively to mywelshpool, means an initial verdict will only be made by National Grid in February 2012 at the earliest.
Mr Edwards was speaking after the initial consultation period came to an end, but he insisted that residents can still have their say and reassured that every single opinion or recommendation will be read and considered.
“We have had a strong response from members of the public to our consultation, and we would like to thank everyone who has attended a meeting or a public event and who has taken the time to let us know their views,” he said.
“Over 2000 people have put their views forward, and we will be working through all of the feedback to ensure that the comments will be considered as part of our future plans. On the whole we have received very detailed responses, which is extremely helpful in allowing us to evaluate the route options we are considering.
“It is important that we make the most of the data and comments that we have received, and all of this information will be studied in detail. We will also be working closely with National Grid to use the comments we have received to feed in to their proposals for a hub substation.”
“Over 2000 people have put their views forward, and we will be working through all of the feedback to ensure that the comments will be considered as part of our future plans. On the whole we have received very detailed responses, which is extremely helpful in allowing us to evaluate the route options we are considering.
“It is important that we make the most of the data and comments that we have received, and all of this information will be studied in detail. We will also be working closely with National Grid to use the comments we have received to feed in to their proposals for a hub substation.”
Mr Edwards said that due to the sheer volume of the response, it could take up to six months for a decision to be made whether to route the power cables through a substation in Cefn Coch or Abermule. Once a preferred route has been established, the company will begin a second round of public consultations and will again seek community views on its proposals.
The initial three-month consultation process included more than 30 public events and 20 additional community meetings. It sought feedback from residents and communities on plans to connect 700MW plus of new renewable energy generation from 10 proposed windfarms in Mid Wales. As the local electricity distribution network operator, ScottishPower says it has a legal obligation to offer connections to the windfarm developers.
The company asked for opinions on a number of corridors between 0.5km and 4.0km wide for the required 132kV connections, taking in to account National Grid’s consultation on two potential sites for a hub substation, where the power lines would connect in to.
The initial three-month consultation process included more than 30 public events and 20 additional community meetings. It sought feedback from residents and communities on plans to connect 700MW plus of new renewable energy generation from 10 proposed windfarms in Mid Wales. As the local electricity distribution network operator, ScottishPower says it has a legal obligation to offer connections to the windfarm developers.
The company asked for opinions on a number of corridors between 0.5km and 4.0km wide for the required 132kV connections, taking in to account National Grid’s consultation on two potential sites for a hub substation, where the power lines would connect in to.
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