March 12, 2026 - Efforts to transform Wales' final coal-fired power station have reached a significant milestone. Aberthaw Power Station in the Vale of Glamorgan is presently undergoing demolition to pave the way for a renewable energy park.

Cardiff Capital Region Energy (CCR Energy), the firm spearheading the scheme, recently provided a progress update on the works, confirming completion of the turbine hall and deaerator bays demolition at the expansive site.

The turbine hall represented one of the largest and most intricate remaining structures at Aberthaw, spanning more than 230m in length.

Works to demolish the former turbine hall at Aberthaw Power Station have been completed

Image: CCR Energy

Built from reinforced concrete and structural steel, the facility previously contained the main turbine and auxiliary plant utilised in electricity generation. 

CCR Energy stated that the magnitude and complexity of the structure necessitated thorough analysis and months of preparatory work prior to demolition. 

The demolition represents a major milestone in the future of the Aberthaw site, which commenced operations in the 1960s and ceased functioning in 2020, reports Wales Online.

Once demolished, the Aberthaw Power Station site will make way for a new renewable energy park.

Image: CCR Energy

Plans for a renewable energy park were revealed years ago and Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) committed itself to purchasing Aberthaw Power Station from previous owner RWE in 2022 for £8m.

However, it still isn't clear yet exactly what kind of renewable energy production will eventually take place on site.

In their most recent update on demolition works, CCR Energy said the scale and location of Aberthaw by the coast provide "opportunities to support a range of innovative sustainable energy, industrial, advanced manufacturing and innovation-led uses".

The firm went on to add that this would be "subject to technical feasibility, market demand and planning considerations".

An investigation into the the handling of the procurement process that led to CCR Energy awarding a £30m contract to demolish Aberthaw Power Station recently highlighted a number of failings.

After receiving several bids, the contract for the demolition works was awarded to Erith in 2023. However, the demolition firm's bid arrived minutes after the April 28, 2023 deadline.

Losing bidder Brown and Mason launched legal action, raising concerns about how the procurement process was overseen.

The legal action eventually led to CCR abandoning its defence and agreeing to pay a settlement of about £5.25m to Brown and Mason.

In total, the financial hit added up to about £6.5m after legal costs of more than £900,000 and the independent investigation report carried out by professional advisory firm Deloitte.

Their report concluded that there was no deliberate wrongdoing or misconduct on the part of those involved, but it did identify errors in the procurement process.

Chair of CCR and leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, said at the time of the report's findings that CCR commissioned an independent review into the procurement process to maintain transparency.

She added: "Plainly, there are many lessons to be learned, and I am confident that every effort will be made to fully implement the recommendations of the review."

On the current demolition works, CCR Energy said they have been carried out "safely and precisely" by Erith and explosive engineering specialists Precision Demolition Company (PDC).

Chair of CCR Energy Board, Paul Matthews, said the recent demolition work "represents a major milestone in the transformation of Aberthaw".

He added: "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."

Following the successful demolition of the turbine hall, works at Aberthaw will continue to focus on completion of the wider demolition programme, ongoing site remediation, planning, and engagement with potential future partners.