§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy, further to his answer of 15 May, Official Report, c. 381, regarding hydroelectric power stations in Wales, what are the five possible locations for (a) hydroelectric plants and (b) pumped storage schemes which are being reviewed; what is their respective potential installed generating capacity and electricity output; and whether the cheap energy produced will be used primarily for the benefit of the local community by promoting industrial development through the use of electricity.
§ Mr. Norman LamontFive potential locations for hydroelectric stations were examined in the early 1950s, in addition to Rheidol. I am informed by the CEGB that the sites were on the Conway Dwyryd, Glaslyn, Mawddach and Nant Ffrancon rivers. Of these, the scheme based on the Dwyryd was subsequently developed as the Ffestiniog pumped storage scheme. On the basis of these earlier estimates the potential installed capacity of the scheme at Nant Ffrancon was assessed to be of the order of 35 MW and that of the other three schemes of the order of 50 MW each.
With respect to the Bowydd and Croesor pumped storage projects, generating capacities of over 2,000 MW were tentatively ascribed by the board to each scheme, but no need is seen at present for additional pumped storage capacity. Should any of these projects be developed, they would be fuly integrated into the national grid for the benefit of all consumers.