New hydro electric scheme a step closer
A NEW pumped hydro storage power station in Gwynedd has moved a step closer after being granted an important planning permission.
Glyn Rhonwy pumped hydro scheme developer SPH successfully applied for permission to create an underground grid connection for the facility.
There had been claims by opponents that pylons would need to be built but the decision by Gwynedd Council’s planning committee means SPH can feed power generated by the new facility into the North Wales electricity grid via a buried cable.
SPH managing director Dave Holmes said: “For us it’s a case of delivering on what we always said we would do. The approval by the council of our chosen connection route finally puts the issue to bed.”
The cable will be buried in a narrow trench, primarily in the verges of the road network, with the surface reinstated as cable laying progresses along the route.
At Afon Rhythallt near Llanrug the cable will be carried within the road bridge if a structural survey shows it is suitable, or taken several metres under the river bed. Laying of the cable is expected to take around 12 months.
The Glyn Rhonwy scheme at Llanberis already has planning permission at an output of 49.9 MW, but a decision to install higher output under- ground turbines meant SPH had to re-apply for permission to build the scheme, even though other key design details remain unaltered.
Examination of the revised scheme by the UK Planning Inspectorate closed at the beginning of September and a final decision will be made by the UK Secretary of State by early March 2017.
Mr Holmes added: “In the meantime we are continuing to make progress. We’re working on the few remaining outstanding consents, finetuning the construction timetable and liaising with potential equipment and services suppliers so that we are poised to move to financial close and into the build phase.”
SPH believes the scheme will bring a £100m+ investment to Gwynedd. Taking three to four years to construct when operational, the site will support up to 30 skilled full-time jobs, along with work for regional contractors and suppliers.
Cllr Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member (Economy), said: “The granting of planning permission for an underground grid connection is a positive development for this important scheme.
“From the outset, the developers have consistently proposed an underground connection to the grid, and we welcome the fact that the scheme is progressing on this basis.”
The proposals have proved controversial after opponents claimed chemical weapons were dumped at the site after World War II when it was an RAF ammunitions store.
The Snowdonia Society is worried about the effect on wildlife, culture and heritage.