Strata Florida
Fully owned and operated by Hydro Schemes, The Strata Florida project was developed alongside Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This involved a 2km penstock, small intake weir and stone-clad powerhouse. A highly successful development on NRWs land, Hydro Schemes liaised with archaeologists, hydrologists and ecologists. The scheme represents the collaboration of a multi-disciplinary team in generating renewable energy whilst adhering to multiple ecological and historical conservation considerations and constraints. As the site is part of a Cistercian Abbey, founded in 1164, ancient monument consent was required as was the construction of a migratory fish pass.
Years in operation: 3
Annual output: 475,000 kWh
Maximum output: 100 kW
Glyncorrwg
This scheme is situated in the heart of the old coal mining area in South Wales. Located on farmland in the village of Glyncorrwg, it historically housed a large mining facility- employing over 900 people at its peak. The site incorporates 2 intake weirs, 1.8 km penstock and a slate roofed powerhouse. This development was in partnership with landowner who receives a percentage of generated revenue and an opportunity for the farmer to diversify.
Years in operation: 2
Annual output: 425,000 kWh
Maximum output:100 kW
Tan y Rhiw
This scheme involved a 1.5 km penstock and intake work. Hydro Schemes were involved in the licensing, construction and installation of this development. Located on a farm, the owner saw an opportunity to diversify and supplement their farming income.
Years in operation: 5 +
Annual output: 275,000 kWh
Maximum output: 60 kW
Moelgolomen
This high head scheme was developed on an organic farm and promotes their ethos -sustainability and clean living. The scheme powers the Moelgolomen farm, extracting its water from higher up in the valley, from the small stream ‘ Nant Perfedd’- Welsh for ‘perfect stream’. The penstock was installed across difficult terrain and innovative methods utilised to minimise the environmental and agricultural impact.
Years in operation: 7
Annual output: 125,000 kWh
Maximum output: 20 kW
Pantrhyden
An example of a smaller scale scheme involving a 600m pipeline, intake weir and powerhouse. This was developed to power a private residence and reduce the landowner’s electricity bill to zero.
Years in operation: 7
Annual output: 150,000 kWh
Maximum output: 20 kW
