Green GEN Cymru welcomes IAG report and urges focus on deliverable grid solutionsGreen GEN Cymru welcomes the publication of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) on the Future Electricity Grid for Wales report, an open contribution that reflects the complexity of grid development in Wales.
The report recognises that, despite extensive engagement and evidence-gathering, unanimous agreement among independent members was not possible — highlighting the strength of views and challenges that remain around grid infrastructure choices. This acknowledgement is important and mirrors the reality of delivering energy infrastructure on the ground.
Commenting on the report, Daryn Lucas, Managing Director of Green GEN Cymru, said:
“This report reflects the true complexity of the issue. There is no single solution that works everywhere, and we agree that a balance must be struck between factors such as cost, sustainability, environmental impact, and local context.”
He added:
“That is why we continually assess the most appropriate technologies across our routes. In practice, this means using a mix of approaches — including sections of undergrounding, wood poles, and pylons — depending on what is right for each location.”
Throughout the engagement with the IAG – which first began back in December 2024 – Green GEN Cymru and other industry representatives have emphasised that diversity of opinion underlines the importance of adaptive policy frameworks that balance national energy needs, environmental considerations and community engagement.
Green GEN Cymru also submitted evidence to the advisory group, including the DNV Undergrounding 132kV Assessment Report, and the Turner and Townsend report on overhead lines ‘forecasting cost report’ for GGC’s proposed Towy Usk project.
Copies of the reports are available publicly at Reports – Green GEN Cymru
Green GEN Cymru also welcomes the report’s acknowledgement that more expensive grid solutions are likely to lead to higher costs for consumers — an issue it says must remain central to policy and regulatory decisions.
“It is particularly important that the impact on customer bills is clearly recognised,” Lucas said. “This is a critical consideration for Ofgem, and one that the public deserves to be aware of as discussions around grid infrastructure continue.”
Green GEN Cymru looks forward to continuing to work constructively with Welsh Government, communities, and industry to ensure Wales’s electricity grid is delivered in a way that is flexible, balanced and fit for the future.
