ENGIE is to spend £50 million to revamp its 360MW Ffestiniog Power Station in North Wales.

That’s enough to supply electricity to consumers in North Wales for up to three and a half hours at a time.

The power station, part of the 2GW First Hydro pumped storage plant in Snowdonia, is expected to play an increasing role in providing flexible power to manage intermittent supplies from wind and solar plants.

The French utility has signed a construction contract with German engineering firm Voith Hydro for the refurbishment of Units 1 and 2, with an option for upgrade Units 3 and 4 at a later date.

Work on the site is expected to start at the end of 2018 while refurbishment is due to be completed by early 2020.

Welsh Environment Secretary Lesley Griffiths said: “This is welcome news for Ffestiniog and shows ENGIE’s commitment to the region. The investment will provide long term job security for local people as well as a strong commitment to low carbon energy generation in Wales.”

ENGIE owns 75% of the First Hydro Company, which comprises of Ffestiniog Power Station and Dinorwig Power Station.