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The charity making life better by water

Hydropower

As well as mitigating the impacts of climate change, our waterways can also play a role in energy generation.

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    Utilising hydropower.

    The Trust is working with commercial hydropower developers to install as many hydropower schemes as possible on our river weirs. Hydropower from our waterways generates 20 million kilowatt hours, which equates to power for around 6,200 homes and saves around 9,500 tonnes of CO2.

Our waterways already support hydro schemes generating around 20 MWh per year, the equivalent energy for around 6,200 homes. We also have the potential to create a further 17MWh of hydro power for adjacent buildings and developments, particularly those located near weirs and locks.

Last Edited: 02 January 2024

photo of a location on the canals
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