Independent Advisory Group on Future Electricity Grid for Wales meeting summary: 8 July 2024

The Independent Advisory Group meeting on the Future Electricity Grid for Wales took place on 8 July 2024. The agenda covered a variety of topics including public and community engagement, industry overviews, visual impact projects, and the financial costs to consumers.

Minutes and Actions 

The minutes from the previous meeting were confirmed. Adjusted Terms of Reference and potential consideration points for the workplan were discussed.

Public Engagement 

Professor of Environmental Psychology, Nick Pidgeon, presented on public engagement, emphasising the importance of understanding local community concerns and the need for transparent and early engagement. He noted that acceptability of infrastructure is conditional and can change over time.

Community Engagement Plan 

The group discussed the need for a community engagement plan, considering the involvement of community members and organisations, and the resources required from the Welsh Government.

Industry Overview

Ben Burggraaf from Net Zero Industry Wales presented on the decarbonisation of industry in Wales, highlighting the need for additional electricity generation to meet industrial demand and the importance of network planning for industrial clusters.

Visual Impact Projects 

Stephen Ellison and Stuart Fox from National Grid discussed the Visual Impact Projects, focusing on the Eryri project which involves undergrounding cables to remove overhead lines in a national park.

Financial Cost to Consumer 

Energy Advisor, Ron Loveland, highlighted the financial implications of grid development for consumers, noting that the cost of transmission networks could increase significantly due to investments in new infrastructure.