AwarenessPast history

The Vale’s (former) power station is being broken up

By Philip Irwin

The demolition of the former Aberthaw Power Station site is now well underway, and the vast turbine hall was knocked down recently.

Aberthaw is now owned by CCR Energy Ltd and its demolition contractor Erith Contractors, working alongside explosive engineering specialists Precision Demolition Company (PDC), has successfully completed the controlled demolition.

The power station in May 2025 before demolition started.
| The power station in May 2025 before demolition started. Photo: Red 90.
The vast turbine hall is now gone.
| The vast turbine hall is now gone. Photo: Red 90.

A spokesperson said: “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 appointment of contractors Erith has led to controversy, with CCR having to pay £5.25 million after lawyers for a rival company, Brown and Mason Limited, challenged the way the contract was awarded. An independent review of that process has been launched.

However, work is well underway now and Paul Matthews, chair of CCR Energy Board, said: “Today’s 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 for 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.”

By Philip Irwin – Senior News Reporter

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Aberthaw Power Station and South Wales Aviation Museum.
Aberthaw power station turbine gifted to local Aviation museum. Background photo: Abober.

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Philip Irwin

Philip has been senior reporter with the Glamorgan Star since first established in 2020. Previously with the Glamorgan GEM for 19 years, he believes strongly in the contribution that a good local newspaper can make to society.

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