Hydro power

Richard Body at the Torrs New Mills hydro power site

Richard Body is Coordinator for High Peak Friends of the Earth. He is also a Director of Torrs Hydro New Mills Power Ltd which has set up the UK's first community-owned hydro power scheme.

A modernised version of a 2000 year old Greek invention - the Archimedean screw - will produce clean, green and effortless energy. Richard told us all about it.

We're returning water power to where water power used to be.

Richard Body

How does it work?

A section of the
Archimedean screw showing
the movement of water.

The weight of the river water turns the screw which generates electricity.

The Archimedean screw is fish-friendly - fish can travel through it without being harmed.

How can you get involved?

You can buy shares in the scheme from Torrs Hydro New Mills Ltd. Shares will be available until 31st January 2008 and cost £1 each.

Each year they expect around £3,000 will be invested in local community projects. Shareholders will be able to direct where this money goes.

How did the project come about?

The developer Water Power Enterprises discovered the site. High Peak Friends of the Earth decided to back it and help them work with the local community.

Did you know?

The 70 kilowatt generator will produce roughly 260,000 kilowatt hours (or units) every year.

Torrs Hydro New Mills Power Ltd.

Could the government do more?

More companies would be interested in getting involved in hydro energy schemes if renewable energy received more funding. The government needs to improve support for renewable energy.

Can the scheme inspire others?

Of course. Lots of people tell me that our scheme has already made a difference. They now wonder if they too can get a local mill working to generate electricity.

The weir at Torr Mill

There's an old mill where I live. What can I do?

Talk to whoever owns the land and to local people. You can make the water that runs through your town or village work for you for free.

What has been the highlight so far?
That will be when we start to generate electricity. I can't wait for that! The project will start operating electricty in July 2008.