Llandyfaelog 132kV Substation

We are currently developing proposals for a new 132kV substation near Llandyfaelog, south of Carmarthen.

The substation will help meet existing and growing demand for electricity in the network around and north of Carmarthen. We are the local distribution network operator – operating as a separate legal entity within the National Grid Group. We take power from the high voltage transmission network operated by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and distribute it through the lower voltage network to homes and businesses across South and West Wales. We have a legal obligation to connect both electricity demand and generation to our network, while providing a reliable power supply and maintaining a resilient grid.

The electricity distribution network is undergoing a fundamental transformation as the nature of demand and generation changes. We are seeing a rapid increase in the number of connections associated with small scale renewables (wind and solar), and the electrification of heat (heat pumps) and transport (Electric Vehicles), with demand for electricity set to double nationally by 2050. This places even greater importance on a resilient distribution network.

What are we proposing?

Our planning application is for the construction and operation of a 132kV substation, and the associated connecting infrastructure. This is separate from NGETs’ ongoing application for a new 400kV substation but sits within the same footprint and site. This means there will be no increase in the land proposed for new grid infrastructure as a result of our application.

The planning application will be submitted to Carmarthenshire County Council.

Why is it needed?

Our proposed upgrades are designed to reinforce the existing 132kV network between Carmarthen and Swansea, supporting the growth in electricity demand in Carmarthen and the wider county, which are currently fed from the Swansea North substation.

We are doing this to improve the resilience and capacity of the local distribution network, with aims to meet the forecasted increases in demand that come with housing development, business activity, and the uptake in clean technologies in the area. This will have the benefit of enabling the future connection of both direct demand and generation customers.

Where is the site of the proposed substation?

Our new substation would be located around 6km south of Carmarthen. Site access is proposed to be from a new access road which will connect to the A484.

Our proposals, while separate from NGET’s application for a new 400 kV substation, will sit within the footprint of the NGET site, meaning there will be no increase in the land proposed for new grid infrastructure as a result of our application.

The NGET planning application includes the provision of a level platform for both the 400 kV and 132 kV substations. By combining all ground works into one application, it will ensure more efficient land use, effective drainage and reduced construction impacts for the three substations. We will be working closely with NGET throughout to minimise the impact on the local community.

Any future new connections to the Llandyfaelog substation site will be subject to the appropriate consenting regimes and determined by the relevant authorities at the time.

This decision-making process for future connection is undertaken by the relevant authorities, rather than NGET and NGED as network operators, with each planning application assessed on its own individual merits.

How does this differ from NGET's proposals?

You may be aware that NGET consulted with local communities near Llandyfaelog in 2025 on its proposals for a new 400kV substation.

NGET owns and maintains the electricity transmission network in England and Wales and has a legal obligation to connect customers to the network when a connection is requested. When existing substations do not have the capacity for the size of the connection required, NGET is required to build a new one to meet the need.

NGET is moving forward with plans for a 400kV substation in response to connection requests for two 132kV substations from Green Gen Cymru and NGED respectively. The NGET substation enables NGED, as the distribution network operator, to make corresponding upgrades to the local 132 kV distribution network.

NGED’s proposals form an important next step in delivering the grid upgrades needed to provide our customers with a safe, stable, and reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses in the future.

What are substations and how do they work?

Substations are critical parts of the transmission and distribution networks and enable electricity to be moved about the network at different voltages, securely and reliably.

One of the main roles of a substation is converting electricity into different voltages. This is needed so the electricity can be transmitted across the country at high voltages, and then sent at lower voltages to the end customer on the local distribution network.

NGET takes electricity generated from large power sources, like offshore wind, nuclear and gas power stations, and transports it through its network of overhead lines, cables, and substations.

As the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for South and West Wales, NGED takes the power from the transmission network, lowers the voltage of the electricity through our substations and send it to end users across the distribution network. NGED also connects smaller scale generation, such as solar, wind, and community energy.

How can communities have their say?

We will shortly begin early engagement with stakeholders and the local community. We are conscious that local communities and representatives have been consulted on a number of projects in the area in recent months. However, as NGED is a separate regulated entity from NGET, it is important we understand all the potential concerns and opportunities from the community first hand.

As part of this, we will be holding two in-person events and one webinar where more information will be available. Customers will be able to meet with members of the team delivering the scheme and ask any questions they may have.

Click here to register for webinar. 

Our events will take place at Llandyfaelog Community Hall, Llandyfaelog, SA17 5PA on:

• Thursday 29 January, 3.00pm – 7.00pm - at Llandyfaelog Community Hall, Llandyfaelog, SA17 5PA.
• Saturday 31 January, 11.00am – 3.00pm at Llandyfaelog Community Hall, Llandyfaelog, SA17 5PA.
• Wednesday 4 February, 6.30pm – 8.00pm webinar (register and link available on our website).

If our customers are unable to attend one of our events, they can contact us using the details below.

What happens next?

Ahead of submitting a planning application to Carmarthenshire County Council, we are running a Pre-Application Consultation in early 2026.

We will continue our discussions with landowners and undertake surveys, technical and environmental work in and around the proposed substation site to give us more information about the area and to help inform our plans. You may see us, and our contractors, working in and around the proposed site.

We intend to submit our planning application to Carmarthenshire County Council in spring 2026.

How can I keep informed about the proposed NGED substation?

You can register your interest here to receive project updates about the proposed NGED Llandyfaelog substation.

If you have any questions about the proposed NGED Llandyfaelog substation, you can also get in touch with our community relations team via:

Email: ngedllandyfaelog@nationalgrid.com

Tel: 0800 1884 484