01 February 2010
Residents in Saddleworth could soon be getting more than just tap water from their local reservoir, under a groundbreaking plan to generate hydro-electricity.
Water company United Utilities has given villagers permission to use Dove Stone Reservoir to generate green energy to power homes.
The community-led scheme - the first of its kind in the UK- could see a turbine constructed on the north side of the picturesque reservoir, where United Utilities releases a regular flow of 'compensation' water into the River Tame to keep the local water course topped up.
The move could power up to one hundred homes all year round, and raise tens of thousands of pounds for local community projects though sale of the electricity.
A residents' group called Saddleworth Community Hydro has been working on the proposal for two years. The group now plans to set up a social enterprise company which will raise funds from private investors and public bodies to get the scheme off the ground.
If successful, the company will be owned and run by the community, with all profits ploughed back into local neighbourhoods.
Chris Matthews, Head of Sustainability for United Utilities said: "This is a really imaginative proposal, and a first for the region. Tapping into the water flow at Dove Stone could generate green energy that will power homes for years to come.
"We've been extremely impressed by the professionalism of the local residents, who came to us with a well researched and thought out plan. We're now looking forward to helping them make the scheme a reality."
Bill Edwards, Chair of Saddleworth Community Hydro said: "We are absolutely thrilled to get the green light from United Utilities. As well as generating clean energy, this project will fund other sustainable energy schemes in the area. There is still a long way to go, but we are all now feeling very optimistic that we can make this happen."
Water Power Enterprises, a social enterprise company based in Yorkshire, has been working with the Saddleworth residents on the scheme.
Steve Welsh, Water Power Enterprises' Managing Director said: "Hydro-electricity accounts for half of the country's sustainable energy, but there is still massive untapped potential out there. This is the first time a UK water company has teamed up with a local community to harness a reservoir for energy production.
"Dove Stone is an ideal venue, providing a regular and controlled flow of water to drive the turbine. We hope the venture paves the way for similar schemes around the country."
The project could be up and running by the end of 2011.
ENDS