New pipe works mean gas security for North Wales
Press Ref: 12/011 A vital gas pipeline providing energy security to thousands of households in North Wales is to be replaced. Energy Minister…
Press Ref: 12/011
A vital gas pipeline providing energy security to thousands of households in North Wales is to be replaced.
Energy Minister Charles Hendry has today given approval for Wales and West Utilities to construct a 22 kilometre gas pipeline from Llanwrin in Powys to Dolgellau in Gwynedd, north Wales.
The pipeline will replace an existing pipeline which has reached the end of its life.
Charles Hendry said:
“The new pipeline will mean that thousands of residents in Gwynedd and Powys in north Wales will have a safe and secure supply of gas. Natural gas is the main source of heat for most households and so it is critical we have a modern network that provides supply on demand.
“In approving this pipeline I have made sure the plans meet stringent and comprehensive environmental standards.”
The new buried steel pipeline will roughly follow the route of the existing pipeline, with a deviation at Corris approximately 11kms (7 miles) to the north of Llanwrin.
Notes for editors
- A comprehensive set of environmental conditions has been agreed with the Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Environment Agency for Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales to protect the integrity the Cadair Idris Special Area of Conservation and the Snowdonia National Park.
- The pipeline will serve the administrative areas of Gwynedd and Powys. 2009 data shows that Gwynedd had 28,600 domestic consumers and Powys had 26,800. The population for Gwynedd was estimated at 119,000 in 2009 and for Powys 131,000 in 2010.
- Wales and West Utilities anticipates that the pipeline will be completed and commissioned ready to operate in October 2012.