David Burrows: Renewable energy yes - but not if is increases floods

Lord knows we've seen enough of it in recent weeks to last us a lifetime.

But now it looks like the power of nature could be used to power our homes.

Plans to generate electricity from Shrewsbury's weir moved a step closer this week after the people behind the scheme were given £20,000 of Government cash.

Shrewsbury Hydro can now use the wonga to carry out further research into the viability of the scheme. This will include sciency-wiency stuff like river flow rates and other environmental factors.

But it is believed the project could generate one and a half million kilowatt hours of green electricity each year - that's enough to power more than 300 homes. That's more than 300 homes not getting their power from burning precious and polluting fossil fuels. This is increasingly important now that we seem to have decided that wind farms are A Very Bad Thing.

One of the most important things that those involved in the scheme - which include the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs - will need to look at is whether this project can be brought to fruition without increasing the risk of flooding on what is, as anyone who has ever seen pictures in the Shropshire Star will know - a vulnerable area of Shrewsbury.

When the River Severn is in severe flood, like it has been in the last few weeks, the weir is often where that flooding is seen at its most spectacular. Renewable energy, yes, but not if it's going to increase the problems in that part of town.

It is important, too, to ensure that the wildlife that relies on the river is protected.

News of the money comes at a time when green energy schemes are en vogue in Shropshire - possibly something you would expect from such a rural county.

Elsewhere in the area, Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council has given its blessing to plans for a 30-acre solar farm at Wheat Leasows in Horton which Telford & Wrekin Council claims will provide energy for 1,000 homes.

If plans are approved, Telford & Wrekin would be following in the footsteps of Shropshire Council, which recently gave the go-ahead to plans for a 35,800-panel farm over nearly 61 acres on the outskirts of Condover, near Shrewsbury. The site at Green Farm could power up to 3,000 homes.

The green energy movement is definitely finding some momentum in Shropshire and, if the obstacles can be overcome and reassurances given, the River Severn scheme will add to an impressive portfolio.

That's got to be something that's worth making a splash about.