Halton Hydro Electric Project

he Environment Matters Group had an outside speaker at the September Meeting. The speaker was instrumental in gaining funding for the project as well as the design of the scheme on the river Lune.

Halton Hydro is one of several community hydro schemes in the UK. It generates on average 1,000 MWh of electricity every year – equivalent to the consumption of 300 average homes. This of course varies, depending on the time of day and year. This enables CO2 savings of around 575 tonnes annually.

The project also benefits the local community through investments. The Trust distributes its profits in and around the Parish of Halton and Aughton in line with the Trust’s objectives and in line with the Charity Commission rules.

The River Lune is one of four UK index rivers for Salmon and Sea Trout. Halton Hydro has a fascinating fish-counting project. They count, weigh and measure the fish as they come up the river. This information is then reported to environment agencies, who monitor the welfare of the fish.