A Worcestershire farming partnership, frustrated by frequent flooding on areas of their land, has turned this to their advantage with the unveiling of a £1.45million, 230kW hydro-electric scheme that will power the local neighbouring community leisure centre.
The hydro-electric generating plant, funded jointly by loans from Wychavon Council and the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), is located on a spur off the River Avon at Pershore. It is predicted to generate around 760kWh per year from two 3.85 metre-wide Archimedes Screws operating on the head of water falling around 2.4 metres. The site includes a conservation island created from the pools of water above and below the plant, and the combined canoe and fish pass.
Owner Charles Hudson, who farms 380 ha of land bordering the river growing delphiniums for petal confetti in rotation with other arable and market garden crops, says the Council has agreed to buy all the electricity to power Pershore Leisure Centre on the opposite side of the river, which has an annual requirement equal to the plant’s capacity.
“In this area which is notorious for flooding, I am delighted we have been able to come up with a power generation scheme that fits the environment and aspirations of the local community,” says Charles. “The added advantage is it also helps manage water levels on the farm, which has already had its cropping adjusted to fit the frequently wet conditions.
“The power is being supplied via a cable under the river. In the summer we may have to shut the plant down if water levels are low, but during peak requirement in the winter, we are likely to be selling surplus power back into the Grid.”
Martin Waite from AMC says farmers are increasingly looking at power generation as part of their farming business, not just as a source of income, but to provide future energy security.
“When looking at possible schemes, farmers need to make sure they are a fit with their existing enterprises, with the resources, opportunities and challenges the farm already has, and, of course, that they are acceptable to local communities and authorities. If you can benefit local people in the process, for example using surplus heat from anaerobic digestion to heat local public buildings or selling the power at a discount to the local authority, as Charles is doing, then all the better.”
Martin urges farmers looking to borrow for renewable energy schemes to make sure their loans have flexibility built in. He says: “These projects often involve buying some expensive bits of kit. Being able to purchase in one go up front can yield significant discounts, and if your scheme is more profitable than anticipated, it’s good to have the option to pay off the loan early.”
