A consultation has been launched on a new planning policy in Wales for an undergrounding-first approach to new 11-132kV electricity lines.
The Welsh Government say this change will end the use of large steel lattice pylons for devolved electricity lines in the country.
Under the policy, overhead alternatives would be only permitted where certain planning tests are met and installation is via low wooden poles or any other less intrusive infrastructure.
Adam Price, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “We know the necessary changes in the way energy is generated and used in Wales will require new grid infrastructure, however we also know that new infrastructure can impact on the communities and the environment that hosts it.
“We want to see infrastructure that is sensitively designed to minimise impacts on the environment and the communities that host them, while offering the maximum benefits for Wales.”
The Welsh Government says it also wants to ensure environmental, economic and community interests are appropriately balanced.
This potential policy would be a step towards Wales’ ambitions toward a low-carbon future.
The consultation, which closes on the 15th January 2027, seeks views on how best to implement the change, with consideration of the design and operation of the policy.
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