River Taff Could Soon Power Pontypridd’s Lido Under New Hydropower Plan

A new renewable energy scheme could see water from the River Taff used to help power Pontypridd’s National Lido of Wales.

Plans have been submitted for a hydroelectric system at Treforest Weir, just south of the Broadway/Glyntaff interchange. If approved, the scheme would generate a large chunk of the Lido’s electricity using the natural flow of the river.

How the scheme would work

The proposal includes:

- A 215–300kW hydroelectric turbine  

- A new hydraulic channel built alongside the existing weir  

- A replacement fish pass  

- A turbine house, screens, outfall and new access route  

- A transformer and cabling to link the system to the Lido  

Most of the existing Victorian weir structure would stay in place, but listed building consent is needed because part of the old fish pass would be replaced.

Local business would be affected

The plans say Riverbank Car Sales, a business next to the site, would need to temporarily shut during construction. Its garage building would be demolished to make space for access and a construction compound.

The business has objected, saying the proposal threatens their livelihood and has caused stress, and that discussions with the council have been unclear so far.

Why the council is recommending approval

RCT planning officers say the scheme would:

- Help Wales move toward its target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030  

- Have only a modest visual impact  

- Use an existing watercourse rather than creating a new one  

- Preserve most of the historic weir structure  

They say the benefits outweigh the heritage concerns, especially as the works are reversible.

What happens next

Both the planning application and the listed building consent will go before RCT’s planning committee on Thursday, April 16.

If approved, the River Taff could soon be helping to power one of Pontypridd’s most popular attractions.

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