Turning water into whine of a turbine

WORK is underway on the country’s first community-owned hydro-electric scheme.

The Saddleworth Community Hydro project will install a 50kw turbine at Dovestone Reservoir, producing enough electricity for 45 homes. It will also raise tens of thousands of pounds for local environmental projects through the sale of electricity back to the National Grid.

The scheme, backed by reservoir owners United Utilities, is being funded by a mix of investors.

The construction work is expected to be completed by the end of February, in advance of the official public switch-on in spring.