Plans for a new generation of electricity infrastructure could create an opportunity for Welsh manufacturers to capture more of the economic value from almost £1 billion of planned investment in the nation's power network.
Green GEN Cymru (GGC) is exploring whether a new type of electricity monopole being developed for its network could be manufactured and fabricated in Wales, potentially opening opportunities for businesses across the steel, engineering and advanced manufacturing supply chain.
The company is developing the new structure specifically for its proposed 132kV network, with current engineering work indicating monopoles around 22 metres tall could be considered for the Towy Usk and Towy Teifi projects.
A prototype is expected to be ready in early 2027.
But alongside the engineering and visual considerations behind the new design, GGC is looking at whether investment in the infrastructure could help strengthen Wales' domestic industrial capability.
The monopoles will be fabricated from structural steel, requiring fabrication, forming, welding, engineering and finishing – capabilities already present within the Welsh economy.
GGC intends to engage with potential manufacturing partners as the design develops, with the aim of building Welsh businesses into its infrastructure investment programme.
The company plans to invest nearly £1 billion in new electricity infrastructure as Wales seeks additional network capacity to connect renewable generation and respond to growing electricity demand.
The new monopole will become one of several options available to GGC alongside wood poles, lattice towers and underground cables.
At around half the height of a typical 275kV pylon, the monopole has also been designed to have a relatively small ground footprint and limit its visual impact.
Its greater capacity could potentially reduce the amount of infrastructure required in some locations. GGC says providing an equivalent level of network capacity could require up to four separate wood pole corridors compared with a monopole solution.
The structure will use the ACCC Cardiff conductor, which has already completed type-testing and can carry significantly more electricity than conventional conductors while allowing slimmer structures to be used.
Stephen Rowlands, Head of Construction and Supply Chain at GGC, said:
“Wales has a proud history of manufacturing and engineering, and we believe there is a real opportunity for Welsh industry to play a leading role in developing and delivering the next generation of electricity infrastructure.
“As we take the monopole forward, we want to harness the skills, expertise and manufacturing capability that exists here in Wales.”
Andrew Hardcastle, Executive Director at GGC, added:
“As demand for electricity increases, Wales will need more network capacity to connect new energy generation, support businesses, strengthen communities, improve productivity and attract inward investment.
“Developing the monopole, alongside our existing use of wooden poles, lattice structures and undergrounding, gives us greater flexibility and helps ensure we can deliver the resilient electricity network Wales needs.”
