Small Scale Hydro Power Feasibility
The Forest of Bowland AONB is keen to encourage micro hydro power in suitable sites as it's impact on the landscape is usually fairly minimal, and it can provide power to local communities and businesses without grid connections.
Late in 2010 the AONB commissioned Inter Hydro Technology to undertake a feasibility study into the generation of small scale hydro power within and around the AONB area. This study is funded by Pendle Borough council, Lancashire County Council and the local strategic partnerships of Lancaster and Ribble Valley. In total 37 sites have been studied to assess their potential to generate power, and to save carbon emissions. Using the findings from these initial studies, five sites have been selected to undergo a more rigorous assessment and the owners will be encouraged to seek finance and permissions in order to develop small scale generation. The sites which have been surveyed are shown on the map below, you can can click on the pin to view the reports available for each site or zoom into the map to view the site in more detail.
