Summer 2023 saw CCR Energy move into ACE2 – the Aberthaw Centre for Energy and Environment – and what an incredible place it’s proving to be!
Opened in 2011 by The Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister for Wales, ACE2 began its working life as a pioneering education space for children – focused on opening young minds to a future built on sustainable energy, championing a vision of communities living in harmony with the environment.
It was used by RWE right up to the Aberthaw site’s decommissioning in 2020, standing idle for a few years until CCR Energy seized the opportunity to revitalise this remarkable facility.
Setting up home in this unique place means our team can work from a building created in the spirit of sustainability and innovation – looking out onto the Bristol Channel, and the huge energy potential of the world’s second highest tidal range.
So it represents more than ‘just’ a move into a wonderful workspace.
It embodies our dedication to environmental stewardship and community engagement – with ACE2 already hosting a wide variety of inspirational events, informative meetings and insightful conversations … bringing together hundreds of diverse stakeholders keen to discover their part in helping us build a low carbon destination that can power a clean growth world.
And we have worked hard to make our new home a very special space, for both our colleagues and our communities.
Revitalisation & Renewal
ACE2 was designed with futureproofing and sustainability hard-wired into the building – an inherent green focus that aligns perfectly with our vision and mission.
There’s a rainwater harvesting system designed to collect rainwater for toilet flushing – which means we save water with every flush – while the solar panels on our roof absorb rays from the sun and reflect our commitment to renewable energy, along with eco-friendly features such as underfloor heating and air source heating pumps.
The building had been vacant for some time, and the stormy South Wales coast had inevitably left its mark in some places – so we immediately got to work when we took the keys for ACE2, determined to restore it to its former glory, and further upgrade it with state-of-the-art technology.
That work has already included a complete overhaul of the rainwater harvesting system and underfloor heating, replacement of air source heat pumps and solar panels, mechanical repairs to the canopy, refurbishment of the car park, servicing of the CCTV and intruder alarms, replacement of cables in the earthing system, a comprehensive inspection of electrical installations and appliances – and notable ‘additions’ such as a recycling contract, Wi-Fi installation and broadband optimisation.
As we settle into our new home, we’re immensely grateful to the many different people and parties who have supported us throughout this transition.
They have helped us create a unique hub for innovation, collaboration and community engagement.
A destination where we can host educational workshops, industry forums, and outreach programmes that inspire future generations around sustainability.
A place where we can lead the way towards a greener, cleaner future.
And yes, a workspace where we can enjoy what Nigel Williams, our Operational Manager, describes as “the best office view in the Region”!