Cilfynydd synchronous condenser

Towards net benefit for biodiversity – Biodiversity enhancements at Cilfynydd grid stability facility

In partnership with Welsh Power, Quinbrook is delivering a grid stability facility of national importance delivered under NESO’s Stability Pathfinder programme at Cilfynydd, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

While the project, when operational, will deliver critical grid stability services, it also aims to contribute towards net biodiversity benefit (refer to definition below) on site through intentional biodiversity enhancements during project delivery. This case study highlights Quinbrook and Welsh Power’s commitment to build environmental benefits into the design of new developments.

Challenge

Wales faces the dual challenge of delivering the critical infrastructure needed to support a secure, low-carbon energy system while also protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The Environment (Wales) Act and the Well being of Future Generations (Wales) Act emphasise the need for developments to contribute to long-term environmental resilience. Energy infrastructure projects can create pressures on ecosystem resilience if not carefully managed. The challenge is therefore to design and deliver essential infrastructure to not only minimise environmental impacts but also create opportunities for measurable biodiversity enhancement.

Solution

With construction now underway, the project demonstrates how essential grid infrastructure can be delivered alongside structured environmental stewardship and biodiversity enhancement. The biodiversity enhancement measures summarised in Table 6 were instrumental to this delivery.

Biodiversity enhancement measures	Expected/demonstrated impact
Supplementary planting of native shrub species such as honeysuckle, hawthorn and blackthorn within the woodland parcels Mature oaks and lines of trees planted to enhance supplementary planting Four bat boxes within the woodland parcel east and south of the National Grid access road	Native species plantings are expected to improve the condition and diversity of the understory. Diverse understory enhances dormice habitat for commuting opportunities and foraging for fruits. Delivery of biodiversity net benefit in line with Planning Policy Wales. Bat boxes have provided areas for bats that may utilise additional roosting opportunities.

Biodiversity measures and enhancements at Cilfynydd