Have your say on hydropower in Herefordshire

Owners of water mills or weirs in Herefordshire are invited to a public meeting that will explore the potential of county rivers to generate green energy.

Herefordshire Council’s Sites and Monuments Record, dating from the medieval period to the 20th century, shows that there used to be some 348 water mills in the county but a complete survey has never been carried out so there could have been even more.

The meeting on Monday, January 15 at the Shire Hall, Hereford at 7pm aims to explore the possibility for using the sites of these mills and weirs to create renewable energy.

Activities to promote biofuels and the take-up of wind and solar power are already under way in the county as part of the council’s commitment to securing renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The meeting, to be staged by Herefordshire Council, will offer pioneering landowners with a stretch of riverbank or river infrastructure the chance to learn more about the potential of their site to create energy in a way that reduces impact on the environment and saves money. Grants available to fund suitable schemes will also be discussed.

Councillor Phil Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Hydropower offers a wonderful opportunity to further boost the county’s green credentials and I would urge anyone who owns a mill or weir to come along to the meeting and find out more.

“The county’s rivers are a wonderful natural resource for the county and the possibility for them to create green energy needs to be further explored through potential hydropower schemes.”

The meeting will include presentations from hydropower expert Keith Wheaton-Green who has steered several successful hydropower developments on rivers in Somerset and Dorset. The Environment Agency, the county archaeologist and Herefordshire Council’s planning office will also offer advice.

Attendance is free but booking is recommended through Trish Marsh, Herefordshire Council sustainability manager, on 01432 261930 or email gem@herefordshire.gov.uk