Bainbridge Hydro Project (a low head hydro scheme)
River Bain Hydro Ltd is the first community owned small-scale hydro project in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 45kW hydro power plant on the river Bain expects to be commissioned in early 2011. The plant will generate approximately 185,000kWh per year, enough to power 40 houses, saving 80 tonnes of CO2 per year, 3000 tonnes over an expected lifetime of 40 years. River Bain Hydro Ltd was established for the specific purpose of owning the River Bain Hydro Electric Scheme and is an Industrial and Provident Society established for the benefit of the whole community.
The Bainbridge Hydro Projectunder construction
The hydro site will be developed using centuries’ old technology, the Archimedean screw. Instead of being used to push water uphill, by turning the screw upside down, the water from the river will run down the screw, turning it and generating electricity. The electricity generated can then be sold through the national grid
The scheme has been funded through the combination of a community share issue, grant funding and a loan from the Charity Bank. Funding has been secured from Yorkshire Forward and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
Surplus monies from the sale of hydro electricity will fund local environmental projects.
Halton Gill Micro Hydro Scheme (a high head hydro scheme)
A 40kW high head micro-scale hydro scheme is being installed at Manor Farm, Halton Gill; part of the Langcliffe Hall Estate with support from the Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Development Fund. The scheme comprises a small intake on the hillside, a buried 450 metre pipeline and a small turbine house designed to look like a traditional building.
Halton Gill Hydro - the intakeThe project is a farm diversification project entirely independent of agriculture, and providing an upland farm with an alternative source of income that is extremely long-lasting with low maintenance and running costs.
The project is also important in terms of carbon reduction. The projected energy generation will be equivalent to the consumption of 20-25 households (or 50-60 people).
