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: a suspension bridge and weir completed on 24th June 1903. Within the Mill Bridge abutments are chambers housing a turbine to pump water. Reportedly the pumps could generate 13.5kW at a flow rate of approximately 1m3/s. 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. Unfortunately, there were insufficient funds to continue with the project at that time.
In 2009 the project looked set to move forward again when Action 21 engaged Encraft to carry out a preliminary feasilbility study for a hydropower scheme. It built on the previous 2000 study and included the weirs at Mill Bridge and Princes Drive. Funding for the study was provided by Action 21, Transition Town Leamington, Encraft and Warwick District Council (WDC). The study, published in August 2009, concluded that:
- Technically viable micro-hydropower schemes were possible at both Mill Bridge and Princes Drive;
- Both schemes would be compatible with improved flood defences for the District (subject to detailed design and discussion with the Environment Agency);
- The schemes would have a minimum visual and ecological impact and would require limited civil works;
- The schemes would have a beneficial impact as flagship renewable energy projects at or near the centre of town, and could engage the community from an educational perspective.
On securing funding, the next steps will be:
- Pre-approval expenditure to deliver detailed technical design and secure regulatory approvals (estimated cost £10k to £20k)
- Capital spend to finally deliver the project (estimated cost £360k).
Funding for both of these steps could be secured by combined WDC and community involvement - however, first, the landowner ( WDC) needs to support the project and show willingness to allow scheme development on the proposed sites on reasonable terms.
As developments arise we'll keep this page updated.
Return to our projects page or check out the Energy Group.