Ffestiniog Power Station was opened on 10th August 1963 by Her Majesty The Queen. The station was one of the first pumped hydro-electric systems in the UK.

Ffestiniog can be brought on-line very quickly to cope with peaks in electricity demand. The upper reservoir at Llyn Stwlan creates a head of water which flows through large diameter pipes to the turbines much further down the mountain.

During off-peak times, the water is pumped back up to the Stwlan Dam.

Photos © Fynevue 1978

First Hydro Co. features the DINORWIG and FFESTINIOG Pumped Storage Power Stations.

The road to the Stwlan Dam, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, North Wales appears in 'The Persuaders!' episode appropriately named 'Powerswitch'. Also in 'The Avengers', Don't Look Behind You (1963).