Gas turbine donation to South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM)
South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM), based in St Athan, is the largest independent indoor aviation museum in South Wales. The museum aims to inspire future generations while offering a place of reflection and remembrance for those connected to aviation. At CCR Energy, we are proud to have built a strong relationship with SWAM. With a range of engines at our Aberthaw Power Station, we were pleased to donate one of our gas turbines to the museum, where it will be showcased at their site in St Athan.
The turbine donated was one of three Rolls-Royce Olympus industrial gas turbines, previously used for ancillary services contracts including Short-Term Operating Reserve (STOR), frequency response, and black start capabilities. Each turbine could generate up to 17MW in summer and 18MW in winter – the difference resulting from variations in air density between the seasons.
When deciding the future of these engines, Erith and CCR Energy discussed whether they should be scrapped or donated to a community organisation that could benefit from them. Following these discussions, it was agreed that one of the engines would be an ideal fit for the South Wales Aviation Museum, where it will now be proudly displayed inside their hangar at Bro Tathan.
Nigel Williams, Site Operations Manager, welcomed the decision, saying:
“It’s great to see a part of Aberthaw Power Station remaining in the local area to share its history.”
These engines played a vital role in supporting South Wales’ electricity supply during the ‘Beast from the East’ in February 2018, helping to keep homes powered during severe weather conditions. The Rolls-Royce Olympus engines also have a distinguished aviation heritage, having been used in aircraft such as the Vulcan Bomber, BAC TSR-2, and Concorde.
Martin Spanswick, a volunteer at the South Wales Aviation Museum, shared his excitement about the new exhibit:
“The turbine will make a fine display at the museum as it captures what Aberthaw once was – a special piece of history that might have been lost forever. It was also great to reconnect with an old RAF colleague, Nigel, and reminisce on old memories.”
Special thanks go to Rhys Jenkins from Model Farm, Rhoose, who transported the turbine from Aberthaw to SWAM.
We encourage everyone to visit the South Wales Aviation Museum to see the turbine on display and explore their fantastic facilities.
You can find out more by visiting: Home | South Wales Aviation Museum