Decision details

The Director of Corporate Estates provided the Sub-Committee with an overview of an updated viability report, completed by a specialist company, for the development of small-scale hydroelectric power schemes within the boundaries of the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. The historical, wide-ranging, report had recently been the subject of an internal review.

The Chair took the opportunity to thank officers and graduates, who were now full-time employees of the Council, for identifying the potential small-scale hydropower schemes across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Chair was excited by the prospect of the three successful sites, which had been recommended to take forward into a full feasibility study and voiced her support.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language echoed the Chair’s comments and was pleased to note that following a review requested by Elected Members, hydro-generation was back on the Council’s energy generation agenda. The Cabinet Member spoke of the huge potential for hydro electric generation within RCT due to the weather and topography and commented that he would look forward to future updates.

The Cabinet Member kindly requested that officers liaise with all Local Members in respect of any successful schemes, which would further promote the Council’s decarbonisation activities within local communities.

The Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of the report as part of the works agenda of the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee;

2.    To agree further expenditure in the development of the proposals, as detailed in sections 6 and 11, to undertake further survey works and feasibility studies, to assess full potential and develop further project proposals; and

3.    To receive further periodic updates on the progress of the proposals, either collectively, or on a ‘case by case’ basis.