Stockport Council commissioned Water Power Enterprises (H2oPE) to undertake a feasibility study, funded by the Energy Saving Trust, into five of the borough’s weirs to explore their potential for hydro-electric power generation.
Two of the schemes, the weirs at Otterspool and Stringer near Vernon Park, were identified in the feasibility study as viable. Together these two schemes have the potential to generate approximately 500,000 units (kWh) of electricity per year - enough to power the average needs of about 125 houses.
Hydro-power systems use running water turning a turbine to produce electricity. The potential use of hydro-power systems in Stockport could save around 1,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Councillor Stuart Bodsworth, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “The results from the study are very encouraging. I am very excited about the prospect of generating clean and reliable energy from our rivers. Harnessing the water power that runs through the town recognises our heritage and takes it forward into the 21st century.
“I’m delighted that Water Power Enterprises are keen to work with Stockport to develop these sites to maximize their potential for the production of green energy and I hope local communities will really get behind this project.”
H2oPE will be submitting a planning application to the Council later this year to develop the Otterspool site. H2oPE is a social enterprise, part funded by the Co-operative Group to help set up 13 co-operatively owned hydro schemes in the country.
Although, the planning application will be submitted by H2oPE the aim is for the site to be owned by the community through a co-operative company.
Any surplus profits will be used to fund other community environmental projects in Stockport. H2oPE has worked on similar community projects at New Mills in Derbyshire and at Settle in Yorkshire to develop and construct their hydro schemes.
The type of development H2oPE are hoping to construct is a small reverse Archimedes screw alongside the river to generate carbon free renewable energy, similar to that installed at the Torrs Hydro Scheme in New Mills.
H2oPE have secured a grant of £100,000 from the North West Development Agency's Carbon Challenge Fund towards the capital costs of the Otterspool scheme.
Steve Welsh, the Managing Director of Water Power Enterprises, said: “If the project is given the green light any surplus profits will stay in the borough and help fund other such schemes. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to become involved in fighting climate change. A public meeting will be being in December and subject to planning approval the share offer will be launched to help fund the scheme.”
A public meeting to discuss the proposal will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday 9th December, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.