Leam Hydro Project
There’s been a water mill generating power at the Mill Bridge site on the Leam pretty much continuously from at least 1086 to the twentieth century.
The most recent use of the site was to a plan designed by Victorian borough engineer William de Normanville. He designed and had built the suspension bridge and weir which were completed on 24th June 1903. Within the Mill Bridge abutments are chambers which housed a turbine to pump water. It was reported that the pumps could generate 18 horsepower when the flow rate was approximately 1m3/s (roughly equivalent to 13.5kW). From the technical drawings of the bridge we know that the original water pumps were vertical shaft pit turbines.
In the 1940s the turbine was decommissioned and for the first time in 1000 years power generation at the site stopped. In 2000 a feasibility study was undertaken, looking at reinstating the turbine to generate heat and power for Jephson Gardens. At that time there were insufficient funds to continue. However, the project was resurrected in 2008.
Action 21 is now working together with Encraft to complete a feasibility study into installing turbines in the Leam both at the Mill Bridge and Princes Drive, in collaboration with Transition Town Leamington and Warwick District Council. A specially set up ESCO (Energy Services COmpany) will provide the funding for this project which has the potential to generate 164 MWhr/yr, with a payback period of 10 years.
For more information, contact Rick Smith, tel. 01926 453030.
Support the Low Carbon Community Challenge
Action 21 is proposing to run this project as part of a two-year Low Carbon Community Challenge, helping the local community in the transition to a greener UK.
The two-year programme will incorporate not only the 2 working turbines in the River Leam, but also Solar PV panels for key community buildings in Leamington and Warwick.
And because this challenge is all about the community, we want you, as members of the community, whether that be as a householder, business or community leader, to pledge your support. Email info@action21.co.uk with the subject ‘I accept the Low-Carbon Community Challenge’.
Return to our projects page or check out the Energy Group.