A Swansea Valley business is on its way to becoming Neath Port Talbot’s first Net Zero Events Venue.
Plas Cilybebyll Manor and Events Venue located along the River Clydach is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. It is also surrounded by a complex of award winning five star holiday cottages, known as Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages.
The venue is managed by a local family who have just realised a lifelong dream to once again harness the river’s power by installing a water turbine on the estate, catering to the increasing energy needs arising from EV charging, portable devices and expanded events hosting. The electricity generated will be used on-site, supporting the venue’s growing operational demands in a sustainable way.
The Plas Cilybebyll Estate was once the site of an historic waterwheel which provided motive power to the estate workshop and milling tools. The estate’s original waterwheel, once used to power workshop tools and agricultural machinery, fell into disrepair and was removed in the 1970s. For Richard Bowen, the current owner and grandson of Oswald Bowen, it has been a lifelong ambition to once again harness the power of the river he was brought up alongside.
The project has delivered a 11kW hydroelectric station, which is located on a tributary of the River Clydach. The station consists of an intake, buried pipeline and small, purpose-built powerhouse building. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. The system is controlled by an electrical control system which opens and closes the turbine to match the flow in the watercourse.
The system will generate on average 33MWh a year and peak generator outputs is 11.3KW. The amount of renewable energy will reduce emissions by approximately 10 tonnes of CO2 each year. In addition, a new wheelchair accessible path connects the accommodation complex to the turbine house, which provides a new attraction for tourists and will accommodate educational visits for local schools.
A local supply chain was used to deliver this project. The Hydrolite Turgo turbine was manufactured in the Swansea Valley, and the system was designed by South Wales-based renewable energy specialists Elements Energy. Construction and civil engineering work was undertaken by Ammanford-based FLG Services.
This project has been part-funded by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Valleys and Villages Prosperity Fund (VVPF) through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. VVPF formed part of the council’s package of grant schemes that were available during 2023 and 2024, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Owner Richard Bowen said:
“This project has been decades in the making, and we’re especially grateful to Neath Port Talbot Council for backing our vision of restoring water power to the estate—helping to safeguard important historic buildings for the community and future generations to enjoy.
“The idea was first sparked when the estate’s old waterwheel disappeared during my childhood, and it’s been a long journey to get here. It hasn’t been easy, financially or technically, but thanks to the world-class expertise of South Wales businesses, we’ve created a low-carbon destination for holidays and celebrations, supported local jobs—and found a new reason to be happy when it rains.
“It’s so important that we continue investing in the knowledge and skills within our communities, and we hope this project inspires others to explore what can be achieved.”
Cllr Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth at Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This project is a significant step towards achieving sustainable business growth in Neath Port Talbot. It is fantastic to see UK Shared Prosperity Funding being used to support a local business and local supply chain.
“I’m also delighted to see the introduction of a new tourist attraction, where visitors and local school children can learn about the history of the site, along with the process of creating renewable energy.”
