Harnessing Hydropower
Harnessing Hydropower in the AONB
An exciting new study has just been commissioned by Nidderdale
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to investigate the
hydropower potential of the area.
Consultants are about to start work on an AONB Hydropower
Feasibility Study, which will identify sites in the AONB that may
be suitable to become future mini and micro-hydropower sites.
Sarah Kettlewell, Assistant AONB Officer said, "This study is
going to be incredibly interesting and we anticipate that it will
highlight a number of sites which have the potential to install a
hydropower system. By working with interested
landowners, consultants will gather information so that they can
make an initial assessment of the approximate power and energy
potential of sites. This will then indicate the financial viability
of schemes. In addition, consultants will gather vital information
about the environmental impacts and regulatory constraints which
could affect the development of small scale schemes".
The study is being launched following a statement from the
Environment Agency, explaining that it is supporting the
development and growth of hydropower in England and Wales through
new guidance that will make schemes quicker and easier to
implement.
Applications for permits to build small scale hydropower
schemes have increased dramatically in the last five years and the
Environment Agency is keen to see the swift deployment of this
technology to help meet the Government's renewable energy and
carbon reduction targets.
Sarah Kettlewell said, "The AONB has a long history of
harnessing hydropower and the remains of former mills and their
water systems can be seen across the landscape.
Given this heritage, hydropower obviously has huge potential and as
an organisation we are keen to see the development of more
small-scale renewable energy schemes".
For more information about the AONB Hydropower Feasibility Study please contact Sarah Kettlewell at the AONB office on 01423 712950.