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Emmaus Mossley President backs local community hydro

PRESS RELEASE

16 February 2012

Emmaus Mossley President backs local community hydro

Richard Darlington, long-time supporter and current president of Emmaus Mossley is firmly behind the Saddleworth Community Hydro project. He explains why.

“For many years Elizabeth and I have been interested in sustainability and renewable energy (we installed thermal solar panels here in 1994 and PV in 2003). I have advocated harnessing water for years so in 2008 was delighted when a local community organisation started to explore the potential for hydro power in the Saddleworth area and so got involved.

“The plan is to build what will be England’s first ‘high head’ community-owned hydro, using head from the 90ft dam at the Dove Stone reservoir. A 51kW turbine will be installed generating 170,000kWh/year electricity, enough to power 45 homes.”

This germ of an idea finally became more of a reality when in 2011, with the help of hydro experts h2ope (Water Power Enterprises), Saddleworth Hydro secured a grant from Defra for £223,000.  In December 2011, Saddleworth Hydro launched a community share offer for £120K to make up the funding shortfall.

“To my mind” said Richard, “It’s the fact that individuals can actively contribute to the production of renewable energy that makes the project so attractive. By becoming a shareholder, we know that we are contributing to the production of renewable energy and the reduction of Co2 emissions for the next 40 yrs or more, and we think that is a worthwhile investment for the planet.”

“Another reason that we are happy to buy shares is that surplus monies will be used to fund other environmental projects in the area.”

Shares cost £1 with a minimum shareholding of £250 and can be purchased jointly. Full information is detailed in the prospectus at www.h2ope.co.uk.

Saddleworth Hydro is holding an Open Day at Saddleworth Sailing Club at Dove Stone Reservoir on Saturday 25 February from 11am – 4pm. Anyone wanting to find out more about the hydro scheme and talk to the people involved is welcome to attend.  Phone Tony Bywater on 014578 75423 for more information.