Football Club in South Wales Valleys Eyes Hydropower for Energy
A football club located in the South Wales valleys is on track to become the first in the country to power its home ground using hydropower.
If approved, the plans would enable floodlights at Cambrian United’s stadium to be illuminated by energy generated from water sourced from the Nant Clydach stream. Additionally, a nearby school would benefit from affordable electricity during daytime hours.
Potential for Energy Independence in the Valleys
Experts suggest that the potential for hydropower is significant in valleys such as Rhondda, where thousands of streams could enable villages and towns to become energy independent.
Philip Williams, director of the Cambrian Village Trust, described hydropower as "a no-brainer" that could bring prosperity to areas that have faced economic challenges since the closure of coal mines over 30 years ago.
"The coal industry left deprivation," said Philip Williams, director of the Cambrian Village Trust.
"When the mines all shut there was deprivation, scarred landscapes, and the valleys have obviously struggled to regenerate themselves from those days."
Community Trust’s Experience with Hydropower
The Cambrian Village Trust was established to provide local residents with opportunities for engagement and activity. The trust has already experienced the benefits of hydropower, having installed a plant that powers its café and learning facilities, which has reduced its electricity bills from £2,900 a month to £350.
Given the Rhondda valley’s landscape, shaped by numerous powerful streams, Williams believes that micro-hydro systems could be advantageous for communities throughout the region.
These systems generate renewable electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water through turbines, pumps, or waterwheels.
Cambrian United’s Strategic and Sustainability Goals
Cambrian United officials emphasize that the hydropower initiative is driven as much by a business case as by sustainability considerations.
Founded in 1965, the club—known as the Sky Blues—competes in the JD Cymru South league, where they currently lead the division.
The club also operates a successful academy, which has recently coached its 103rd young player to join a professional football side.
Plans and Broader Community Impact
Plans are scheduled to be submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf council, which would enable Cambrian United’s home ground to be powered by energy derived from the nearby Nant Clydach stream.
According to Chris Blake, former director of a renewable energy installation company in South Wales, many more such projects could follow.
"There's enormous potential. We did a study which identified 20 potential hydro sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf alone," he said.
"Community energy projects bring people together to harness their own landscape for creating energy.
"But they can also produce financial returns for local investors and for the social enterprises that organise them," he added.
