Hydroelectric scheme set to get the go-ahead

LANS for a hydroelectric renewable energy scheme to power a country park visitor centre and hotel could soon be given the go-ahead.

- ANTHONY LEWIS Local democracy reporter

The application for the scheme on part of the Dare Valley Country Park in the Cynon Valley is set to go before Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council’s planning committee on Thursday, with officers recommending approval.

It would involve the installation of a 50kW (kiloWatt) micro-hydro-electric renewable energy scheme west of the visitor centre and would provide electricity for use by the Dare Valley Country Park visitor centre and the hotel.

The proposal would involve the removal and replacement of the existing weir and construction of an underground control chamber.

It would also see the construction of a powerhouse comprising water pipes, turbines, an electrical generator, and other electrical management and distribution equipment.