Project description:

Cwm Clydach Communities First commissioned this project in a country park, developed on the site of a former colliery. Two lakes were created as amenity features during the landscaping of the park in the 1970’s.

The intake to the hydro scheme has been formed at the outflow of the upper lake and the water returned after passing through a Pelton turbine into the lower lake providing a pressure head of approximately 85 metres. The penstock pipe is about 1 mile long and buried under an existing footpath. The ‘coanda’ screen at the intake has been protected with a concrete cover to deter potential vandals. The electricity generated is exported directly to the national grid.

The project has been well received by the local community who have taken a keen interest particularly during the construction phase. Income from the scheme is being used to support further community initiatives. A further larger scheme is planned by Cwm Clydach Communities First lower down the valley which will make use of the fall available across an 800 metre length culvert and more abundant flow rates.