QuadConsult is delighted to have contributed to the UK’s first renewable energy project entirely owned by its customers. Through Ripple Energy the public were invited to buy shares in the scheme, giving them access to their own renewable energy with the only costs being the servicing overhead and those to deliver the energy.

The 2.5MW Vensys 100 turbine is situated on a hill to the northwest of Llantrisant with a challenging access. The 17% maximum gradient leading to the turbine is exceptionally steep and involved close liaison with Vensys and their transport contractor. Other challenges were buried services, interaction with restored colliery waste and associated drainage, and engagement with both the Welsh ministers and Rhondda Cynon Tâf Highways Authority as the public access route had been recently completed but not yet adopted by RCT Council.

QuadConsult was responsible for the design of foundation which incorporated 1,600 tonnes of concrete and 66 tonnes of steel reinforcement.  We also designed two water crossings, the crane hardstand and the substation. QuadConsult initially worked with Locogen (Renewable Energy Project managers based in Edinburgh) then Knights Brown contractors in Bridgend for the construction phase design.

Graig Fatha shares are now fully sold and the project is generating for the benefit of its owners/consumers. QuadConsult has now started work on Ripple Energy’s next eight turbine project in South Ayrshire where there are opportunities for the public to own shares on the same basis.