The mini version of Abingdon Hydro has been on the road for about three years now.
The aspiration is to generate electricity from the water flowing over Abingdon Weir.
In the last year some major hurdles have been cleared. The environment agency has granted the scheme a license, with conditions. Last week Councillors, on the district council planning committee, gave it unanimous support, with conditions. There has also been the need to ensure, for anglers, that fish spawning grounds are protected and fish passes are provided, and, for canoeists, that white water is still available as before.
So a simple aspiration to do something locally for the environment has become quite a major project.
Undaunted, Richard Riggs, and other people backing the scheme, with their money and time, have overcome many obstacles. They still have work to do. But given their determination so far they look a good bet to make the project happen.
Finally a co-operative will be set up into which we all can invest. See Abingdon Hydro for more details.
Congratulations to those with vision and determination.
Congratulations indeed! The perseverance of the group has been admirable
John S.
You can see a mini one at East Hanney; it’s very clever and in a way so obvious you wonder why it hasn’t been done before; or is the cost much higher than we thought??
sounds good – just hope it genuinely works out economically rather than just as a green gesture.
Well Done.
What a shame you had so many obstacles put in your way for such a long time.
Officials trying to justify their non-jobs by imposing conditions, minority group interests etc.
Innovation shouldn’t be stifled.