A FIVE-YEAR project to produce electricity using a Greenfield reservoir is on the verge of sparking to fruition.
Eco-friendly locals launched the Saddleworth Community Hydro scheme at Dove Stone Reservoir to create a community enterprise with no pollution or blot on the landscape.
After rigorous planning with United Utilities, construction began in January with the erection of a turbine house, pipes and electrical infrastructure at the foot of the dam beside the stilling pool.
A small diversion of the compensation water, supplied to the river below, will transform the roaring white water of millions of litres per day into a calm flow of equal volume.
Relieved of its latent energy it will allow the turbine, intercepting this energetic torrent, to produce enough electricity to power over seventy average households.
And despite many delays and additional costs, the work is expected to be completed and electricity produced by the end of March.
The group commented: “This project is the embodiment of the ‘Green Dream’: no CO2 emissions, pollution, damage to the environment and ‘blot on the landscape’.
“It is a community enterprise, community owned for community benefit. A small group of local people have persisted in their determination to bring about this reality.
“Major opposition to wind turbines caused green energy enthusiasts to consider water power, which led to this innovative proposal for a retro-fitted turbine to intercept the mandatory release of water into the river.
“Despite many delays and frustrations, but with the permission, considerable support and expert advice from United Utilities we are now optimistic for completion before the end of March… weather permitting!”
Profits from the enterprise, which is part of an Industrial and Provident Society promoting sustainable and renewable energy in rural areas, will be used to fund other green energy schemes in the community.
For more information about the Saddleworth Community Hydro scheme visit their website: https://sites.google.com/site/saddleworthcommunityhydro/home
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