npower renewables has submitted a planning application (in May 2008) to The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Planning Authority, to seek approval for a revised scheme design for the Romney Weir hydroelectric project.

Planning permission was granted in 2003 (with reserved matters approved in 2005) for a hydroelectric scheme at the site; however, npower renewables has submitted a new planning application using an exciting alternative hydroelectric technology at the site, which would be capable of generating more clean power than the original design.

The revised proposal is for two hydrodynamic (Archimedes) screw turbines to be positioned in two bays of the weir, which will generate power as water passes down the screws causing them to rotate.

Located adjacent to the bank of Romney Island, between Windsor and Eton, the scheme will be the first of its kind in the south-east of England.

Around 1.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity will be generated each year, enough to meet the needs of around 300 households. The scheme will also contribute towards meeting the Government's targets of achieving 15% of UK electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2015.

The scheme will be developed and constructed by npower renewables in association with Southeast Power Engineering. The Environment Agency has had a key advisory role and is a statutory consultee in the planning process.

Construction and commencement of operation is expected to take place in 2009.

Photomontages of the scheme can be seen by clicking on the "Photomontages" box to the right-hand side of this page.

back

top