Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Dan Haygarth

How Harry Potter fans caused the diversion of a UK-Ireland pipeline

  • Harry Potter fans successfully forced the £430m Greenlink energy project to reroute a giant pipeline away from Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
  • The diversion was prompted by an outcry from fans concerned the original plan would disturb the fictional house elf Dobby's grave, a popular shrine on the beach.
  • Dobby's resting place, featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part One , has become a significant fan tribute site with many painted stones.
  • Simon Ludlam, chief executive of Etchea Energy and a director for the project, initially dismissed the concerns but was persuaded by colleagues to take the matter seriously.
  • The 190km high-voltage cable, connecting Wales and Wexford in the Republic of Ireland to transport solar and wind power, began operating in 2025 and can power 380,000 homes.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.