The Turbine Hall and deaerator bays at the former Aberthaw Power Station site have been demolished.
CCR Energy Ltd, established by the Cardiff Capital Region, is leading the transformation of the site. As part of this programme, CCR Energy Ltd’s demolition contractor Erith Contractors, working alongside explosive engineering specialists Precision Demolition Company (PDC), has successfully completed the controlled demolition of the structures.
The turbine hall was one of the largest and most complex remaining structures on the Aberthaw site. Extending for over 230 metres in length and constructed from substantial reinforced concrete and structural steel, the building historically housed the main turbine and auxiliary plant used in electricity generation. Its scale and structural density required extensive engineering analysis, detailed sequencing and months of preparatory works to enable a safe and controlled demolition.
The blowdown was carried out safely and precisely by Erith and PDC, supported by on-site safety teams and delivered in line with agreed safety and environmental controls. The operation formed a key part of the wider demolition and site-enabling programme now underway at Aberthaw.
CCR Energy said the milestone marks an important step in preparing the site for long-term regeneration. The scale and strategic coastal location of Aberthaw provide opportunities to support a range of innovative sustainable energy, industrial, advanced manufacturing and innovation-led uses, subject to technical feasibility, market demand and planning considerations, it said.
The project is being delivered through a phased, evidence-led approach that prioritises flexibility, rather than committing to a single predefined outcome, CCR Energy added.
Paul Matthews, Chair of CCR Energy Board, said:
“This demolition represents a major milestone in the transformation of Aberthaw. The turbine hall was a significant industrial structure, and safely delivering its controlled demolition required extensive planning, technical expertise and close collaboration across specialist teams.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aberthaw as we continue to prepare the site for a future focused on renewable energy, environmental resilience and long-term community benefit.”
Andy Dyson, Operations Director at Erith, said:
“The turbine hall was a large and technically complex structure, requiring detailed engineering assessment and a rigorous, safety-led approach. Our team worked closely with CCR Energy and PDC to deliver a controlled and successful demolition, and we are proud to be contributing to this important phase of the site’s transformation.”
Cormac McLean, Managing Director, PDC, said:
“The controlled demolition of a structure of this scale and complexity requires extensive modelling, precise sequencing and close coordination. The turbine hall blowdown was the result of months of preparation, and we are pleased to have delivered a safe and accurate outcome that enables the next phase of redevelopment at Aberthaw.”
CCR Energy added that following the successful demolition of the turbine hall, works at Aberthaw will continue to focus on:
- Completion of the wider demolition programme, which remains on track
- Ongoing site remediation and preparation to unlock developable land
- Continued masterplanning, technical studies and infrastructure assessments
- Engagement with potential energy, industrial, circular economy and innovation partners.
