The South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM) has received a significant piece of local industrial and aviation heritage thanks to the donation of a gas turbine from CCR Energy at Aberthaw.
SWAM, the largest independent indoor aviation museum in South Wales, is dedicated to inspiring future generations while preserving the region’s rich aviation legacy. The newly donated turbine – a Rolls-Royce Olympus industrial gas turbine – will now take pride of place inside the museum’s hangar at Bro Tathan.
CCR Energy said it had developed a strong relationship with SWAM. The unit, one of three formerly used at Aberthaw for Short-Term Operating Reserve (STOR), frequency response, and black start services, was capable of generating up to 17MW in summer and 18MW in winter. Its impressive output supported South Wales’ energy resilience, including during the “Beast from the East” weather event in February 2018.
When the future of the engines was being considered, CCR Energy and demolition contractor, Erith, explored options beyond scrappage. It was ultimately agreed that donating one to the museum would ensure the turbine – and its story – could be preserved for public benefit.
Nigel Williams, Site Operations Manager at CCR Energy, said:
“It’s great to see a part of Aberthaw Power Station remaining in the local area to share its history.”
The Rolls-Royce Olympus turbine also carries substantial aviation heritage, having powered iconic aircraft such as the Vulcan Bomber, BAC TSR-2, and Concorde.
Martin Spanswick, a volunteer at the South Wales Aviation Museum, said:
“The turbine will make a fine display at the museum as it captures what Aberthaw once was – a special piece of history that might have been lost forever. It was also great to reconnect with an old RAF colleague, Nigel, and reminisce on old memories.”
CCR Energy said it extended thanks to Rhys Jenkins of Model Farm, Rhoose, for safely transporting the turbine from Aberthaw to St Athan.
