AN ENERGY company proposing a new network of electricity pylons crossing into north Powys and new windfarm near Llanerfyl, is promising a £6m-a-year cash pot to support local communities.

Bute Energy wants to build up to 25 turbines at the newly revealed Llyn Lort Energy Park, to the west of Cefn Coch in Montgomeryshire.

A Community Benefit Fund of £7,500 per MW of installed capacity a year for each Bute Energy Park that connects to the Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton project will be set up.

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The company claims that this will be accessible for communities near the Energy Parks and communities along the route of Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton, which could mean a pot of approximately £6m a year that local organisations, charities, and community groups can access.

The network will link to the National Grid near Lower Frankton in Shropshire.

A consultation, which took place from September 6 to October 18, featured six in-person consultation events and two online webinars.

Gareth Williams, Grid Director at Bute Energy said: “It has been good to speak to local people about our plans – and there’s broad agreement that renewable energy has an important role to play in responding to the Climate Emergency.

“But we know that people have differing views on new infrastructure, and we are focused on causing the least disturbance to the environment and those who live, work and enjoy recreation close to our proposals.”

During these engagements, individuals offered their insights on various aspects, including the proposed route for the overhead power line across Powys and Shropshire, as well as the suggested location for a substation.

Additionally, local residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions on projects and initiatives they believed could benefit from Bute Energy's Community Benefit Fund, associated with this project.

Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton is a renewable energy network designed to connect Bute Energy's envisioned Llyn Lort Energy Park, with the capacity to generate up to 165MW of clean energy in the Llanerfyl region, to other Energy Parks currently in the early assessment and feasibility stage.

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The feedback and data will inform the next round of public consultation, expected to take place in the second half of 2024.

Both the Welsh and UK Governments have set clear targets to promote renewable energy in order to combat the climate change challenges that threaten our environments, livelihoods, and wildlife.

This initiative could alleviate the pressure on the current electricity grid, support eco-friendly businesses, facilitate green heating, and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in rural areas.