Hydropower Study

• Part A - Desktop Survey: details of the study and the 39 sites identified (PDF 473KB)
• Part B - Site Surveys: detailed survey reports for each of the 11 sites identified as having good potential (PDF 4,928 KB)
• Part C - Small-Scale Hydro Technology Review: a summary of modern turbine technology and related equipment for small-scale hydropower schemes. This document is intended as a reference to provide supporting information for 11 the surveys carried out (PDF 428 KB)
• Part D - Case Studies: six Small Hydro sites that are currently operating in the UK. Intended  to provide examples of recent experience and good practice (PDF 2,475 KB)

Workshop: Implementing small-scale hydro projects in the AONB

On Tuesday 2nd November a workshop was held at Kettlesing Millennium Village Hall to to review some of the issues surrounding hydropower development, provide practical help with implementing small-scale hydropower projects in the AONB, and to encourage more small-scale schemes to come forward.  The meeting was aimed mainly at the owners of the sites identified in our study as having the biggest potential for renewable energy generation. A number of presentations were given at the meeting and details of these can be found below. Some of the presentations are available to dowload.

• Olly Paish from Derwent Hydro explained how different hydro power schemes operate, and looked in detail at several of the case studies examined in his report before reviewing the latest position with Feed in Tarrifs and the hydro installers/equipment accreditation process. Olly's presentation (PDF 1,747KB).
  
• Steve Keeney and Peter Flack from CE Electric UK (parent company of NEDL & YEDL) underlined the importance of discussing installations at an early stage. It is important to note that prior consent from the relevant electricity distribution network operator (DNO) is only required for larger installations Environment Agency guidance, called 'Hydropower: a guide for you and your community' states that 'If your maximum output to the local electricity network measures less than 16 Amps (or about 4kW) per phase, you can connect without permission from the local network operator, as long as you notify them within 28 days'.(see http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO1010BTDN-E-E.pdf for more information)
  
• Ross Lowrie of the Environment Agency  outlined the latest guidance on the obtaining approval from the Environment Agency. Consent for abstraction from the river and impoundment works will be required, and details of possible impact on flooding as well as fisheries will be required before approval is granted. Ross also advised that early contact with the Agency is advisable. New internal procedures mean that dealing with the Agency will now be more straightforward for applicants than previously.
  
• Stuart Mills and Andy Darby of Harrogate Borough Council's Planning Department provided information about the requirement for planning consent, which will be required in most cases, and reviewed local, regional and national planning policies on landscape, heritage, flooding and ecology that guide decision-making. Like the other contributors, the planners welcome early discussions with applicants, and an informal pre-submission meeting is advisable. Stuart's presentation (PPT 83KB).
  
• Ann Harding Co-Director of Settle Hydro Ltd gave an overview of the community owned scheme in Settle, which has been widely reported in the national media during the past 12 months. The development of their project has required dogged determination from the small number of people involved, but they have overcome numerous hurdles, and their scheme is now producing electricity. Ann and her colleagues are happy to share their knowledge and experiences with others.
  
• Matt Smith from Key Fund Yorkshire highlighted work by the Key Fund, a not-for-profit social enterprise, in providing loans to community interest companies and voluntary organisations. The Key Fund supported Settle Hydro. The bank is publicly funded but is unable to provide funding for private individuals.
  
• Geoff Hall from Lloyds TSB noted that his bank is keen to invest in small-scale renewables. Pete Sumners from The Cooperative Bank sent apologies on behalf of the Bank's renewables team, who were unable to attend due to the very high volume of renewables business they are currently engaged in. 

AONB Office, The Old Workhouse, King Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5LE. Tel: 01423 712950, Email: nidderdaleaonb@harrogate.gov.uk