Agenda item

The Executive Member for Community Safety and submitted a report on a proposal to install a micro hydro generation scheme at Castle Weir, Hertford.   A presentation outlining the benefits of the proposals was provided by the Environmental Coordinator. 

The benefits of the two hydro systems: Kaplan propeller and Archimedes screw were considered.  The Kaplan system was considered preferential because of its ability to take account of low and variable flows and the fact that it could increase the height of the water to make it run faster and thus generate more electricity.  Total costs for the installation of the scheme were between £157,500 to £165,000, but these costs would be offset by the fact that the scheme would pay for itself within seven to seven and a half years.  Further, once the capital had been repaid, the Council would achieve income of around £300,000 over the remaining 13 years of the life of the project.  Officers explained the levels of electricity to be generated and that any excess could be fed into the National Grid. 

In addition to providing power for Hertford Theatre, the system would impact positively on reducing the levels of CO2 generated in that it would create a saving of 60 tons.  This supported the Council’s objectives as agreed in the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.  The Council was also required to report its CO2 figures to the Government. 

The Environmental Coordinator commented that this would be one of the first examples of a community theatre in the UK to be powered directly and substantially by hydro electricity.

Councillor Mrs M H Goldspink welcomed the proposal and the efforts made by Officers in moving this forward.  She was reassured by Officers, that any fish caught within the mechanism would be safety returned to the river.

Councillor P Grethe referred to items such as shopping trolleys and hoovers which had in the past, been discarded in the Weir and of the damaging effects this could have on the “Trash Screen”.  The Environmental Coordinator explained that the Trash Screen was protected by a grid.  He further stated that the system was largely enclosed and would be protected from vandalism.

Councillor N C Poulton queried whether any trash gathered within the screen, would generate any additional cost to the Council in terms of maintenance.  The Environmental Coordinator explained that the Council already had a contract with a company whose function it was to clear various grills and screens in water courses and that this, if necessary, would be picked up within the Council’s current arrangements.

Councillor R Beeching referred to levels of electricity to be generated and supported the Kaplan hydro system at this location.

Councillor G McAndrew queried the financial projections and what might happen should the river levels fall.  The Environmental Coordinator explained that the figures presented had been based on low flows and agreed that flows might change.

Councillor D A A Peek supported the proposal.  He stated that the income generated might even be better than anticipated which was to be welcomed in today’s economic climate.

The Executive Member for Community Safety and Protection stated that the project was an “invest to save” one referring to the payback period of approximately 7 years.  He praised Officers for their work in moving the initiative forward and hoped that it would be supported by the Executive.

Members supported the proposal.

RESOLVED – that (A) the business case for the design and build of a micro hydro scheme at Castle Weir, Hertford be received; and

(B)      the proposal be supported and referred to the Executive on 1 December 2010.