The UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) wants to get more value from the 28MW Maentwrog hydropower station in North Wales.
NDA’s main activity is to manage and decommission 17 closed nuclear sites but it is also charged to seek ways to reduce the level of public funding from government by generating revenue through its commercial activities. The Maentwrog hydroelectric power station was first commissioned in October 1928 using water from Snowdonia impounded behind a dam. For many years its use was restricted by the need to provide cooling water from the impoundment for the Trawsfynydd nuclear plant, which is now closed and the site operated by Magnox Limited.
NDA says it wants to explore options to optimise income from the Maentwrog hydropower station through revenue stacking and trading of energy in different markets. It is seeking to understand what services potential suppliers offer in regards to energy trading optimisation and supply.
The procured optimiser may need to:
• Review and reflect what is possible within the asset characteristics and capability;
• Utilise its software and hardware to allow the trading of energy in different markets as appropriate; and
• Maximise the asset value through revenue stacking.