Hidden in the mountainous peaks of Snowdonia’s National Park is a clean source of energy storage that has been supporting the UK’s electricity grid since it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963. Ffestiniog was the UK’s first ever pumped storage hydropower project and it remains a critical part of today’s energy system.

Back in the 1950s engineers were tasked with ensuring that their designs protected the beauty of the landscape. They also had to solve a range of technical challenges to accomplish something that had not been done before. Episode partner Mott MacDonald was part of the original design team through its predecessor company James Williamson and Partners.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Ffestiniog is its longevity. It remains a critical part of the UK energy system and the enduring success of this and other pumped storage schemes means that organisations all over the world are now looking to use this kind of water battery to balance out intermittency and support renewable generation.

Guests

John Armstrong, station manager for Ffestiniog’s owner First Hydro

Ajay Chaudhary, hydropower account leader, Mott MacDonald

Rosa Diez, transportation tunnels account leader, Mott MacDonald

Guy Doyle, chief energy economist, Mott MacDonald

Brian Minhinick, global head of hydropower and pumped storage, Mott MacDonald

Alan Warren, global practice leader for dams and reservoir safety, Mott MacDonald

Partner 

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy focussed on improving society by considering social outcome and relentlessly focussing on excellence and digital innovation.