This area has changed in appearance but it is still a very pleasant resting spot for weary walkers and cyclists, with newly installed picnic benches and seating. This is a very popular spot so stealth will almost always be needed.
Here is the location of the new hydroelectric power generating station which has the capability of generating enough renewably sourced electricity for 550 homes. It cost £2.6 million and took approximately 1 year to build and opened in July 2016. There are 2 Archimedes screw turbines of 3.5 metres diameter and approximately 10 metres in length which are fed by up to 22 cubic metres per second of water diverted from the River Taff. The turbines are attached to a generator which produces renewable energy in the form of electricity. Once the water passes through the turbines it returns back into the river. It can produce a maximum of 394kW at any one time if both turbines are in operation. This site is particularly suitable for a scheme like this because of the fast flow of the water and the approximately 3.5 metre height difference of the weir but there will still occasionally be low flow conditions which mean it does not operate. It generates an income of £140,000 per year for Cardiff City Council through being connected to the local electricity distribution network and because the electricity it generates is renewably sourced it saves approximately 785 tonnes of CO2 from being produced per year. A new fish pass has also been built to allow migratory fish such as salmon to safely pass through. Several information boards have been installed and I recommend taking a few minutes to read them while you enjoy the area.