Member Article

Local supply chain benefits as construction progress continues at RES’ Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm

Leading civil engineering firm Jones Bros is celebrating a boost to the local supply chain through its involvement in the construction of a 17-turbine wind farm in Mid Wales.

The family firm initially started work in January on Renewable Energy Systems’ (RES’) Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm in Powys where turbine components have begun arriving.

Involvement in the construction of the wind farm, located between Felindre and Llanbadarn Fynydd, is Jones Bros’ first large contract with RES. Progress to date includes a major enabling works package that involved the building of a 3.5 km track up to the wind farm site.

Geraint Thomas, regional manager for Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said: “Work is progressing extremely well at the site and construction is ahead of schedule, with all 17 turbine bases now complete.

“We have also completed work to widen laybys and the building of a relief road at Newtown to accommodate the turbine deliveries. The team is now working on finishing off on site tracks and crane pads, cabling works, foundations and ducting in the substation and reinstatement.”

Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm has been designed to have low impact on the surrounding communities and environment, high electricity production and long-term community benefits.

RES estimates that a scheme like Garreg Lwyd Hill could inject more than £4.5m into the local economy during development, construction and the first year of project operation.

Rob Kemeys, RES project manager, said: “We are very pleased with the progress of the project and Jones Bros performance. They have brought with them a wealth of construction experience and have provided a safe working environment. We have encouraged as much local content as possible and Jones Bros have worked with us to maintain as much local support as possible.

“Now that the turbines have started to arrive on site, the assembly process will begin later this month, with the target to have all turbines erected before the Christmas break, weather permitting.”

Upon full operation in Spring 2017, the 30.6MW wind farm will be capable of providing sufficient renewable energy to meet the average needs of more than 26,000 homes – equivalent to nearly 40 per cent of all the homes in Powys.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .