IntroductionIt is not a well known
fact that hydro-electricity now accounts for
half of the renewable energy produced in this
country.
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Archimedean screw - 2000 year old
technology to solve a 21st century
problem
The use of the country's rivers as a power
source dates back many years, and only the more
consistent availability of energy from fossil
fuels has brought their many weirs and water
wheels into disuse. The weirs were generally
well made, and many are still in reasonable
condition, and need only the addition of a
suitable turbine and generator to return them
to useful service.
This is already happening and recent fuel price
rises have enabled the power generated by them
to be sold at competitive prices.
One such venture, the Settle Hydro Scheme,
involves installing a 50 kilowatt Archimedean
screw on the existing weir on the Ribble at
Settle. This is expected to provide enough
electricity for 50 average houses.
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Basic reverse Archimedean Screw in principle and
(below) in situ.
Original images © H2ope
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It is also worth noting that
Energy Providers must now supply 10% of energy
from renewable sources by 2010. This figure rises
to 20% by 2020. So Energy providers need to find
renewable energy suppliers. |
WharfedaleThere are numerous small
watercourses in the Wharfedale area, many of
which could generate useful amounts of
electricity, but the most obvious potential
source is the Wharfe itself, which has half a
dozen weirs between Pool and Grassington, most,
if not all of which were originally constructed
to harness the river's power.
It is probable that some of these could be
returned to their former purpose and provide
much-needed energy to the communities of the
dale, and at very little environmental
cost.
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