Eryri Gas Pipeline Replacement

At Wales and West Utilities, we look after the 35,000km of pipes that keep the gas flowing to heat homes, power businesses and keep the lights on across Wales and south west England. We respond to gas emergencies, connect new homes and businesses and we invest £2million every week to deliver energy that is safe and secure for our 7.5million customers. We help communities, businesses and the economy thrive by delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy and we are committed to supporting those most vulnerable in society with practical help and guidance on the energy issues that impact on individuals, families and our communities.

We are replacing 14.8km of gas pipeline from Tywyn to Aberdovey and the surrounding areas to keep the gas flowing to home and businesses in the area. The pipeline, originally installed in 1964, serves a population of around 5,000 people and needs to be replaced due to its age, risk of leak and future deterioration. It is a significant project, which respects the environmental and globally recognised importance of the heritage and conservation aspects of the area.

We have carefully surveyed the area, reviewed extensive route feasibility assessments, and established a finalised route that will be the least impactful on the environment and least disruptive for local communities.

Plans for this work have been approved by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and agreed with Eryri National Park. The work has been designed to be completed in several phases to accommodate the ecological sensitivity of the route, the seasonality needs of the protected species and important fauna, as well as considering the impact on highways and local communities. 

Phase 1

In March we completed the first phase of our work which included the removal of 4 trees and 34 small sections of hedgerow where the pipeline crosses under roads and between fields. We have planned and designed our work to make sure we minimise vegetation removal, but it is necessary at certain points of the route where excavation would be otherwise inhibited.  The trees that have been removed have been classed by arboriculture assessments as low in retention value. 

Phase 2

In May, we completed the second stage of vegetation clearance as dormice are considered to have emerged from hibernation during this time. We have obtained the appropriate license from Natural Resource Wales (NRW) and have worked closely with a named ecologist to support us in confirming there were no dormice present before starting vegetation clearance to ground level and hedgerow/tree stump removal.

Phase 3

The third phase of our work will begin in late June and will involve land excavation and the laying of the new pipeline. This work will pause over the winter months due to the difficult working conditions and it is estimated that the work will be completed by late spring/early summer 2025.

Most of this work will take place on private land, and we have been in discussions with landowners and their agents in the area about access to land and removal of vegetation. We have agreed that following the installation of the pipeline, land will be reinstated, re-seeded, and all hedgerows will be reinstated. A scheme of tree planting will also be undertaken subject to landowner consent.

Between July and September, multiple road closures will be in place along Happy Valley Road. We are working closely with the local highway authority to produce a traffic management plan that keeps disruption to the local community and road users to a minimum. Advance notice signs and diversion routes will be clearly signposted.