Water power project proposed for Ironbridge Gorge

A Telford group is looking into the possibility of generating electricity using the Lyde Brook, a tributary of the River Severn, which flows through Coalbrookdale.

Transition Town Telford, which focuses on helping the area become greener, is looking at the possibility of installing a micro scale hydro-electricity turbine in the Lyde Brook.

At the moment, the scheme is still in the development stages and the group is looking at carrying out a feasibility study if it can get funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change's Rural Community Energy Fund.

The scheme, being proposed on two sites in the area, could generate up to 24kW of power, enough to power a few small buildings as well as generating money by selling excess power back to the National Grid.

Colin Roberts, chairman of the group, said: "This is not a huge project but it is one which will provide local energy for local people. We're waiting to see if we can get the grants first to do the feasibility study, then see what needs to be done."

The group says that this project will use what is naturally available, requires minimal work and will be concealed within the existing infrastructure.

Following initial studies, if the group decides to go ahead with the project it will need to obtain planning permission from Telford & Wrekin Council.

Hydro-electricity is said to be one of the most cost-effective and reliable energy sources with high efficiency, a high level of predictability varying with rainfall patterns and a slow rate of change which only varies day to day. It also correlates well with demand, as the best time for output is winter, when more power is needed.

Turbines like these can last for 50 years or more with little maintenance.

A 2012 study into potential location for a project of this kind outlined 35 prospective sites, but many were found to be unsuitable due to the low potential power yield, remote locations, problems with ownership and ecological issues.

Transition Town Telford is looking at two sites for the turbines. One is in a tunnel which passes water under the road in Coalbrookdale at the entrance to the former railway station with grid export of the power going firstly to the nearby Greenwood Trust complex for local use.

The second is on a weir close to the Enginuity Museum, as this would provide the best flow and water height to generate the most power. Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, which owns Enginuity Museum in Coalbrookdale, have expressed interest.

Anna Brennand, chief executive of the trust said: "This project sounds innovative and we would be interested to learn more about the proposal to understand its full impact on the environment of the gorge."

Between the two sites there is a potential to raise £690,000 of renewable income by selling excess power back to the grid, while saving 1,628 tonnes of carbon over the lifetime of the scheme.

The group has been hosting discussions with gorge residents to find out their views on the project. The most recent was held the Greenwood Trust on September 2 and group members say it was well-attended.