Latest from Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project2nd Mar 2015

The joint venture behind Vattenfall’s Pen y Cymoedd wind energy project has made good progress during the first two months of 2015 constructing England and Wales’ largest on-shore wind farm.

Civil engineering firms Jones Bros and Balfour Beatty have completed 40 of the wind farm’s 76 turbine bases since starting work on the project one year ago.

Preparatory work is currently underway at eight further locations, ahead of concreting work, which is due to re-commence on March 9^th.

Eryl Roberts, project manager for the Jones Bros and Balfour Beatty joint venture, said: “We’re continuing to make good progress and are now working towards concreting work getting underway again following the winter months.

“By mid-May we will be starting work in the western region, the final of four geographical areas that the project is divided into. We are also due to begin site investigation work there to check such factors as soil quality.”

Work in the western region includes constructing eleven turbine bases, building 6.2km of new site tracks and improvements to a further 2.8km of existing tracks, and the establishment of a new welfare compound.

Each turbine base takes approximately four weeks to complete from start to finish, starting with an excavation about 4.5m deep and 25m in diameters. Each of the turbine bases require up to 610m³ of concrete and 84 tonnes of steel reinforcement, whilst 7,000 metres of cable trenching and laying has been done to date.

Finally, as Spring approaches, it’s important that members of the public that visit the site stay safe while construction work takes place. Please follow advice and guidance listed on health and safety signage displayed throughout the site. While public footpaths and mountain bike trails remain open and take priority, please note that all working areas are clearly signposted and strictly closed to the public.

“We hold a briefing every morning to ensure that all plant operatives are aware of planned work and any specific health and safety risks, and we must also ask that the public follow designated footpaths and trails at all times,” continued Eryl.

“Access to work areas is strictly prohibited for your own safety. It’s also a good idea to take a look at the health and safety information available on the Pen y Cymoedd project website at www.penycymoedd.vattenfall.co.uk.

Traffic measures remain in place until May at the site entrance. Four-way traffic lights will be in place as work progresses on the A4061, Rhigos Road, helping ensure the road remains safe to motorists while work continues on site.

Everyone on site is looking forward to making further progress on the project, and we hope to see some of you as part of public tours of the site, which will take place later this year.