Water inspires wave of green energy projects on Exmoor

FIVE waterside locations on Exmoor are poised to become power stations producing green energy.
The micro-hydropower projects, including two historic watermills, will be awarded a share of £50,000 from EDF Energy’s Green Fund to help tap into stream power.
Together they will generate up to 230,000kWh per year, enough to power 50 local homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 100 tonnes annually.
The money will go to Exmoor Renewable Energy Group (EREG), which was founded last year by a group of micro-hydropower site owners on Exmoor whose aim is to help inspire and install renewable energy using the power of water.
The group was formed with the support of Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
More than 90 other sites on Exmoor have been identified as having the potential to generate micro-hydropower, and more than a dozen other stream owners have expressed an interest in installing the equipment.
The five sites to win funding are part of a first wave of hydro-electric stations costing £160,000 in total.
The work will be funded by the EDF Energy grant, £50,000 each from EREG and the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, and £9,000 from Exmoor National Park Authority.
The first five micro hydro-electric turbines will be installed at:

• Cowbridge Sawmill, Minehead – where a water wheel will be restored to power a woodworking museum in the 18th century mill


• Parracombe Mill, in Parracombe – a restored historic mill dating from 1543 with its own working water wheel


• Lee Abbey, in Lynton – a conference, retreat, and outdoor centre set on the Exmoor coast


• Holwell Farm, in Parracombe – steeped in history and home to Holwell Castle, a Norman motte and bailey castle


• Deercombe, near Lynmouth – this project will provide a model for power generation from a small moorland stream on Exmoor

The first EREG members plan to support a second wave of projects by providing guidance and project support to the next group.
The first five schemes will also be turned into a hydropower trail to stimulate wider interest in green energy.
Students from local schools will be encouraged to follow the projects from design to delivery.
EDF Energy sustainable future director Peter Hofman, said: “In the UK there are thousands of historic mills and natural streams which could be suitable for micro-hydropower schemes.
“There is plenty of potential for micro-hydropower projects on Exmoor and we are delighted that EREG members plan to support a second group of renewable energy projects.
“Considered as a group, these projects cannot be underestimated and will make a significant contribution to the efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
One of the first mills to go live will be Parracombe Mill, which could be generating electricity as early as this autumn.
Nick White, secretary of EREG, purchased the mill in 2002 with his partner Beatriz Castro.
Mr White said: “We are absolutely delighted with EDF Energy’s support. It has been a big boost for us and a big boost for the projects and we are thrilled to be moving forward with our plans.
“There is the potential for Exmoor to generate a considerable amount of electricity and, provided we are successful, a second wave of micro-hydropower schemes will come on line.
“This could be the small stone that starts the ball rolling and this is very much down to EDF Energy for the contribution it has made.
“We are very excited about the prospect of generating our own electricity.
“Although our project is on a small scale, we hope it will act as an incentive and encouragement for others who are a stage or two behind us.”
Exmoor has a strong tradition of hydropower, proven by the 300kW prototype marine current generator situated off Lynmouth and a 300kW hydropower scheme in Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth. Pictured is a typical watermill. Photo submitted.