Heidelberg Materials supply aggregate for sustainable energy park

Machen Quarry in South Wales delivers 150,000 tonnes of aggregate by rail for new energy park project

HEIDELBERG Materials have completed a challenging project to supply 150,000 tonnes of aggregate from Machen Quarry, in South Wales, to help create a sustainable energy park.

Machen is the only rail-linked quarry in South Wales and the material was delivered in just 10 weeks to help build a large-scale battery storage facility on the site of the former Uskmouth coal-fired power station in Newport.

Moving the material by rail cut the infrastructure programme from 77 weeks to just 10 and delivered a 30% carbon reduction over transporting the material by road, as well as reducing congestion on the road network.

‘The main challenge of supplying a project of this size is having the material available over a short period of time,’ said Joe Bagnall, regional director – aggregates.

‘Early engagement with the client, Private Energy Partners, allowed us to manage our stockpiles within the quarry and ensure security of supply.

‘Transporting the material via rail enabled a speed of delivery that is impossible to achieve on the roads.’

The Uskmouth facility will allow renewable energy generated from sources such as solar and wind, which is dependent on weather, time of day and season, to be stored in batteries until it is needed, aiding the energy transition.

‘We want to be at the centre of sustainable infrastructure development in Wales by supplying the most sustainable products and solutions,’ Mr Bagnall added.

‘This ambition supports our commitment to decarbonization and helping our customers achieve their net-zero goals.’