Almost unnoticed in North Wales, a significant issue is brewing that could have a major impact on the region. A 176km pylon link is set to be constructed to support the UK's transition to wind and solar energy, potentially affecting some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Concerns are mounting that the installation of pylons, wind farms, and solar parks could harm valuable farmland in Wales.

There are fears that the route of the pylon link may cut through Eryri National Park, prompting the Snowdonia Society to launch a campaign to protect the area from potential industrialization. The Vale of Clwyd is also at risk, with the possibility of pylons obstructing views from the new national park in northeast Wales.

In Mid Wales, farmers have faced legal battles over separate pylon routes, leading to protests and warnings of unrest. Some critics have drawn parallels to the Tryweryn controversy, where rural areas were sacrificed for the benefit of others, with few locals reaping the rewards.

The rush to meet decarbonization targets in Wales and England has sparked a race to strengthen the electricity transmission infrastructure. While the need for renewable energy is acknowledged, there are concerns that hastily erected pylons could mar Wales' landscapes for years to come.

Dr. Jonathan Dean of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales has criticized the proliferation of industrial wind farms and steel pylons, labeling them as outdated solutions to modern energy challenges.

The UK is undergoing a rapid industrial revolution to achieve carbon-free electricity generation by set deadlines. Wales aims to reach this goal by 2035, while Westminster targets a 95% carbon-free grid by 2030.

With Wales and Scotland holding significant wind power potential, England may need to import energy from these regions. Plans for undersea cables connecting Wales to England are already in motion, with additional routes proposed for North Wales.

The lack of a dedicated Welsh grid in Mid Wales poses challenges for transmitting energy through the region. A north-south transmission route is essential, with the National Energy System Operator proposing a line between Bangor and Swansea, potentially impacting national parks along the way.

While the final route is yet to be confirmed, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on landscapes and communities. Calls have been made to explore alternative routes, such as offshore options, to minimize disruption to Wales' natural beauty.

Despite the push for undergrounding power cables to reduce visual impact, the process is costly and may require significant land excavation. The debate continues on the most suitable solutions for Wales' energy infrastructure.