Wales
MaresConnect strongly believes that a proactive and constructive dialogue with local Welsh stakeholders throughout the development programme will result in the highest quality application and project design.
MaresConnect in Wales
We will be holding community consultations at various times over the course of 2024/5 to better understand local concerns and to provide up-to-date information on the project. As the project progresses, we will establish an online portal for local business to connect with the MaresConnect procurement process.
In Wales, MaresConnect will consist of a converter station sited near the existing Bodelwyddan substation in Denbighshire and underground cabling, which will be routed within the local road network and agricultural land.
Various detailed technical and environmental surveys will be carried out during the development process to ensure that the final design fully incorporates the challenges and opportunities of the local environment.
Technical and environmental studies will include:
- Biodiversity;
- Cultural heritage;
- Landscape and visual impact;
- Flooding and hydrology;
- Geology and hydrogeology;
- Noise and vibration;
- Traffic and transport;
- Socio economics; and
- Air quality
Construction of the MaresConnect Interconnector is expected to lead to significant capital investment in Wales. We are committed to maximising the use of locally based contractors and personnel during the construction and operational phases of the project and are always keen to hear of local businesses that could benefit.
Current Status
Landfall location
This is the location where the subsea cable reaches the shore and is connected to the onshore cable. The method of installation selected will depend on the results of consultation and technical and environmental surveys. The selected method will be clearly described in planning documentation to ensure that the local community and permitting authority is fully informed on the proposed methodology to be used when reviewing the application documentation.
Current status: Feasibility assessment ongoing and will be consulted on.
Underground HVDC cables
The onshore cable route between the landfall location and converter station will consist of buried High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables. Typically, HVDC cables can be installed within the local road network and the initial default onshore route is likely to be located predominantly within the road network prior to refining the proposed cable route as consultation and environmental and technical assessments are undertaken. We are aiming to identify the shortest cable route that can be installed in an environmentally sensitive manner while minimising impacts on the local community.
Current status: Feasibility assessment ongoing and will be consulted on.
Converter station
A converter station will be located close to the existing Bodelwydden National Grid substation. The final proposed location and design will depend on the results of consultation and environmental and technical assessments.
Current status: Preferred converter station site selection ongoing and will be consulted on.
Underground HVAC cables
High-Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cables are required to connect the converter station to the exiting National Grid substation. The cables are expected to be buried for the full length of the cable route between the converter station and substation.
Current status: Preferred HVAC cable route assessment ongoing and will be consulted on.