Experts investigating sites for green scheme (From Free Press Series)

Experts investigating sites for green scheme

A PLAN for a community run hydro-electricity scheme in the Wye Valley is being investigated by experts after grants totalling more than £9,000 were awarded to the project.

Four potential sites near Tintern have been identified along a one and half mile stretch of the Angiddy River for the proposed hydro-electric systems which together could save 38 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

A feasibility study has now been undertaken by Hydrogeneration Ltd from Devon to confirm the financial and technical potential of the turbines.

The driving force behind the project is the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit (AONB), with support from the local community and local, not-for-profit organisation, Severn Wye Energy Agency.

The grants which will pay for the report came from the government's Clear Skies fund which stumped up £6,862 and the Lottery funded New Opportunities scheme which provided £2,287.

Andrew Nixon, Community Links Officer with the Wye Valley AONB said he was delighted that a project first conceived by the local community in April 2002 has taken such a significant step forward.

"The idea was first identified at a public meeting held as part of our 'Wye Local Power' initiative, to discuss options for local renewable energy production in the Lower Wye Valley.

"When the feasibility studies are complete, we will return to the local community and invite people to comment on the proposals.

"If the scheme is found to be viable, we hope members of the community will form a steering group to see the project through."

Mr Nixon said there were various options for the management of the scheme, including a not-for-profit company run by the community.

"This is an opportunity to provide a model of best practice, promoting local energy production, renewable energy and sustainable community projects."

The report is expected early in 2004.