Power to the people

PIONEERING project... Richard Rider (design engineer, Renewable First), Bill Edwards (chair of Saddleworth Community Hydro) and Adrian Ramsay (chief executive of the Centre for Alternative Technology) at the opening of the scheme in September last year

Saddleworth’s pioneering community power scheme is a finalist in the region’s “engineering Oscars” from the Institution of Civil Engineers announced.

The Dovestone Hydro Scheme - believed to be the first of its kind in England - has made it to the finals of the ICE North West Annual Awards. The project at Dovestone reservoir opened last September after five years of planning.

The £516,000 scheme makes over £20,000 a year for its shareholders while making enough power - by linking a generator to the reservoir control outlet - to power 75 houses.

The annual awards showcase excellent civil engineering across the North-West.

“Dovestone Hydro Scheme is a fantastic achievement and a great example of the innovation and civil engineering genius that goes into providing the North-West with world-class infrastructure,” said Alan Butler, North-West regional director of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Award winners will be announced later this month.