Leading renewable-energy consultancy Dulas has completed a 250kW hydro-electric scheme at Welsh Water’s Llys y Frân reservoir.

Commissioned in September 2017, the scheme is already approaching 1 million kWh of generated electricity; it will power a planned visitors centre, activity hub and boathouse, as well as export energy to the National Grid.

Hydro-electricity has long contributed to Wales’s renewable-energy mix, with more than 275 projects located there, and the Welsh government recently announced an offer of 100% relief on business rates for community schemes with rateable values up to £50,000.

Llys y Frân is a raw-water storage reservoir. Dulas was appointed by Welsh Water to design, procure, install and commission the hydro generator, before handing it over to Welsh Water.

It initially installed a water supply line from one of the discharge regulators at the front of the valve house, requiring the construction of three concrete pillars for support.

The main works comprised the installation of a new 250kW hydro turbine and generator, plus the construction of a new power house building, discharge pipes and an automatic failsafe bypass valve and pipework.

In addition, Dulas (www.dulas.org.uk) added telemetry to allow remote control of the new turbine and its bypass system, as well as control of the reservoir spill to within 25mm.

Crispin Angood, senior project manager for Dulas, said: “Our team has significant experience in the optimisation of existing reservoirs and hydro infrastructure, to fully develop their renewable-energy potential.

"While the decline of feed-in tariffs will present severe challenges for the sector across the UK, schemes like that at Llys y Frân demonstrate the potential of reservoir and water treatment facilities to boost generation by incorporating hydro-power technology.”