The Council are seeking to appoint an experienced Hydro Power contractor to undertake the design, construction, and short term operation and maintenance of a Hydropower Scheme on the Radyr Weir, Cardiff. Following the PQQ process, the shortlisted contractors will be invited to bid for this project. It should be noted that there will be no obligation for the City of Cardiff Council to progress to the Construction phase should the design produced and the performance outcomes not be to the satisfaction of the Council.

Radyr Weir is a substantial structure located on the River Taff at approximate national grid reference ST 13097 80792. The development site is owned by the City of Cardiff Council (the Employer). The precise age of the weir structure is not known, although it is understood that construction took place prior to 1875. More recent works to the weir include a Larinier fish pass located in the eastern river bank, behind the abutment of the weir. The fish pass is operated by the Environment Agency (now Natural Resources Wales: NRW). Also on the eastern river bank is the Taff Trail, which is a popular Trail used by the Public in considerable numbers and currently runs through the development site. The general area is semi-rural in character, with many mature trees that are a cherished feature of the site. The development area incorporates a secondary watercourse, known as the Melingriifith Feeder Channel, which bifurcates from the river Taff a short distance upstream of the weir. Whilst the feeder channel is a historic feature, it is a watercourse in its own right and will form a significant part of the design and management of construction work at the site.

The scheme comprises in the first part the design and secondly, subject to approval, the construction and short term operation and maintenance of a new abstraction channel, turbines, fish pass, associated buildings and infrastructure adjacent to the existing weir on the River Taff at Radyr, Cardiff with a minimum working life of 20 years. The aim is to establish a clean and reliable source of renewable energy by harnessing the power of the River Taff. This Radyr Weir Hydroelectric Generation Project is a key renewable energy opportunity for Cardiff, supporting its One Planet City and sustainable energy ambitions.

Further details of the project and the Council's requirements will be set out in the tender documentation.