National Grid invites views on plans for major new subsea link to deliver a clean, secure and efficient energy system for Wales

National Grid has today launched the first stage of public consultation in North Wales on proposals for Western Link 2, an electricity connection linking Scotland and Wales. The project, which would help carry renewable electricity across Wales, is at an early stage, and feedback from communities and stakeholders will help shape and refine the proposals ahead of further consultation.

Demand for electricity is expected to double by 2050 as the way we power our homes, businesses, industry and transport continues to change. To meet this demand more capacity is needed across the electricity network to move that power efficiently and reliably to where it is needed. Western Link 2 would play an important role in Uwchraddio’r Grid / The Great Grid Upgrade, helping to carry more renewable electricity to homes and businesses across Wales, strengthening the network and making better use of clean energy generated in Wales and across the UK.

At times, more renewable electricity is generated than the network can carry, meaning clean power cannot be used and generators may be paid to switch off. These costs are ultimately passed on to consumers through energy bills. By increasing capacity and easing these constraints, Western Link 2 would help ensure more clean energy can be used, supporting a more efficient and reliable energy system. The link would be capable of carrying up to 2GW of electricity in either direction, enough to power around two million homes.

National Grid recognises that communities hosting infrastructure should see positive and long-lasting benefits. The project would support a multi-billion-pound supply chain, creating skilled jobs in North Wales and providing opportunities for Welsh businesses. This will ensure local communities can benefit directly from the transition to a cleaner, more secure and resilient energy supply.

Leandro Vacirca, Project Director for National Grid, said: “Western Link 2 will play an important role in delivering the electricity infrastructure Wales needs for a secure and more efficient energy future. As demand grows, it is essential we make better use of renewable energy sources by upgrading the electricity network so that clean energy isn’t wasted.

“We are seeking feedback on early-stage proposals which will give communities and stakeholders the opportunity to influence our plans. Local knowledge is important in the development of Western Link 2 and will help us minimise impacts wherever possible. We also want local communities to benefit from the transition to cleaner, renewable energy through local jobs, skills and supply chain opportunities.”

About the project

Western Link 2 is a joint proposal by National Grid and Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) for a predominantly subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity link between Scotland and Wales. The project would reinforce the transmission network, carrying electricity in both directions and helping ensure a reliable energy supply to homes, businesses and public services across the UK.

In North Wales our proposals consist of four key elements:

• Approximately 260 km offshore HVDC cable route to a landfall location on the Gwynedd coastline at Caernarfon Bay.
• Approximately 25 km underground HVDC cable from landfall location to a new converter station.
• A new converter station within 2 km of the existing Pentir substation, including an underground cable connection.
• An extension to the existing Pentir substation and associated works to enable connection to the grid.
  

The first stage of consultation runs from midday 23 June to 11:59pm on 21 July 2026. A range of in-person public information events and online webinars will provide communities and stakeholders the opportunity to find out more about the project, meet the project team to ask questions and provide feedback to help shape the proposals. Details are as follows:

In-person events:

• Thursday 25 June: Clynnog Fawr Village Hall, 7 Llys Eben Road, Clynnog Fawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 5AQ  2pm–7pm
• Friday 26 June: Penygroes Memorial Hall, 2 Market Pl, Penygroes, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 6NN  2pm–7pm
• Thursday 9 July: Menter Cymunedol Bethel, y Bedol, B4366, Bethel, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1AX 12pm–4:30pm
• Friday 10 July: Rhiwlas Village Hall, Rhiwlas, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4GA 2pm–7pm
• Saturday 11 July: Y Ganolfan Bontnewydd, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 2UF 10am–1.30pm

Webinars: available via the project website

• Tuesday 7 July: Welsh speaking webinar 6-7pm
• Tuesday 7 July: English speaking webinar 7-8pm

Western Link 2 project contact details:

Community Helpline: 0800 156 0706 (Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm).

Email: westernlink2@nationalgrid.com

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