Water energy scheme takes next big step

THE future is green . . . Bill Edwards (left) with Mike Rooke from the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association.

GREEN energy could soon be on its way to Saddleworth with the country’s first community-owned hydro-electric power scheme.

Members of the Saddleworth Community Hydro project have applied for planning permission to install a 50kw turbine at Dovestone Reservoir, using the outflow from the Greenfield reservoir.

The turbine will create 170MWh a year — enough to power 45 homes — saving 1,000 tonnes of CO2.

The scheme could also raise tens of thousands of pounds for local environmental projects through the sale of the green electricity. The scheme will be funded by a mix of government grants and investors.

The reservoir is owned by United Utilities, which has given the project the thumbs up.

Bill Edwards, chairman of Saddleworth Community Hydro, said: “Applying for planning permission is an important step forward. We have hit our funding target and there are just a few obstacles to overcome now. The majority of our shareholders come from Oldham and Saddleworth.”

If permission is granted the turbine will be running before the end of the year, using energy that would otherwise go to waste. If the project is a success, it could lead to similar schemes at reservoirs across the area.