AERIAL photographers are documenting the completion of a £2.6 million project to build a hydr0-electric power plant on the River Taff.
Last year, The Cardiffian reported on the planned construction of the scheme at Radyr Weir. The project is now on track for completion and should be up and running by April.
Dawnus Construction Ltd, a company based in Swansea, has been working on the project. Since construction began, photographers from Aerial Photography Wales have followed the site’s progress.
Focus was placed on shooting the installation of two colossal Archimedes Turbine Screws. Photographer, Dave Powell, explains that he was initially unaware of how big the project was.
He said: “The main focus of the day’s filming was the installation of the two colossal Archimedes Turbine Screws. We were asked to capture some aerial photographs of the screws as they were being lifted into place.
“I wasn’t aware what an Archimedes Screw was so a quick google was needed to research the job. The resulting figures are mind-boggling. Each screw is capable of a throughput of 4,000 litres of water per second and between them they will ultimately be providing Cardiff with 1.6GWh of renewable energy per year.”
Workers at Dawnus Construction have been working to a strict schedule, as the screws had to be fit to produce power last month. The site has been operating 24 hours a day to get the job completed on time.
Councillor Roderick McKerlich said: “During the construction, residents were very tolerant about the necessary diversion to the Taff Trail and the noise when pile-driving was under way. This was greatly appreciated as the scheme had to meet a demanding deadline to achieve the negotiated tariff for electricity fed into the national grid.”
Once the Taff Trail has been re-opened and the landscaping is complete, there will be a range of tourist facilities between Tongwynlais and Llandaff North. New habitats will be created for birds and animals and the conversion of the Victorian railway bridge will give pedestrians access over the River Taff.
Resident and Clerk of Radyr and Morganstown Community Council, Helena Fox, said: “We are looking forward to the completion of the project. It will be exciting to see the new electricity generating machines, the new salmon ladder and the new picnic area for users of the Taff Trail.”
Once the project is complete, Cardiff Council Energy Department will be inviting pupils from schools across Wales to visit the site and learn more about the importance of renewable energy.
Below is a video showing the work that has been done at Radyr Weir. To see more images of the construction, visit the Aerial Photography website.
