VIDEO: PDC and Erith demolish turbine hall at Aberthaw

Aberthaw power station (Image credit: CCR Energy)

Explosive engineering specialists Precision Demolition Company (PDC) and Ertih Contractors have successfully completed the controlled demolition of the structures for CCR Energy Ltd, an entity established by the Cardiff Capital Region to lead the transformation of site.

The turbine hall was one of the largest remaining structures on the 500-acre Aberthaw site which closed in March 2020.

Extending for over 230 metres in length and constructed from substantial reinforced concrete and structural steel, the building historically housed the main turbine and auxiliary plant used in electricity generation.

A key part of the wider demolition and site-enabling programme, the blowdown was carried out safely and precisely by PDC and Erith, supported by on-site safety teams and delivered in line with agreed safety and environmental controls.

“The turbine hall was a large and technically complex structure, requiring detailed engineering assessment and a rigorous, safety-led approach,” said Andy Dyson, Erith’s operations director.

“Our team worked closely with CCR Energy and PDC to deliver a controlled and successful demolition, and we are proud to be contributing to this important phase of the site’s transformation.”

Cormac McLean, managing director of PDC, added, “The controlled demolition of a structure of this scale and complexity requires extensive modelling, precise sequencing and close coordination.

“The turbine hall blowdown was the result of months of preparation, and we are pleased to have delivered a safe and accurate outcome that enables the next phase of redevelopment at Aberthaw.”

McLean also said that this project marks a notable moment for PDC, which carried out the explosive demolition of Aberthaw A power station on the same site almost three decades ago.