What discussions has the Minister had with National Grid ESO in relation to its proposal for the new electricity transmission network between north and south Wales set out in its Holistic Network Design document?
I met the Secretary of State Greg Hands on 28 June, before the announcement of the Holistic National Design that included the system requirement identified by the ESO to connect the transmission network. I set out the need for our involvement in the development of thinking in relation to these proposals and the need for the assessment of proposals to consider the full range of social, environmental and economic impacts and benefits.
I have requested a meeting with the new Secretary of State for Energy Security to continue this important dialogue and address the multiple challenges Wales faces in relation to the grid.
My officials have continued to engage with National Grid ESO and National Grid Electricity Transmission, who are now charged by the ESO with developing options for routes to deliver the network connection. Officials meet monthly with NGET and continue to monitor the opportunities to ensure any plans meet the needs of communities and citizens in Wales to decarbonise and to ensure organisations in Wales can feed into the development of this work.