Lido Hydropower Development
Utilising the natural flow of the River Nidd, our hydropower projects will harness energy efficiently and sustainably.
Local Impact
By investing in these hydropower projects, the Knaresborough community will not only secure a renewable energy source but also create job opportunities and foster local partnerships that enhance economic growth.
Community Involvement
Our hydropower initiative includes plans for educational workshops aimed at engaging the community in understanding renewable energy technologies, especially among young people.
Environmental Benefits
Moreover, the profits generated by these projects will be reinvested back into the community to support further renewable energy initiatives, ensuring continuous benefits.
Press Release
Knaresborough Community Energy has been awarded a £10,000 grant from Northern Powergrid, the electricity district network operator for Yorkshire.
Knaresborough Community Energy Ltd (KCE) was founded as a
Community Benefit Society in February 2023. Gilly Lacey, director and secretary of KCE said ”Our purpose is to generate low carbon electricity for the community as a means to tackle climate change in a positive way.
Our current project is a proposed hydroelectric turbine on the river Nidd at the Lido. It will be similar in design to the one on the Nidd at Goldsborough”.
The grant will allow the group to unlock the next phase of their ambitious Nidd hydro project at Knaresborough Lido. The funding will pay for
structural surveys of the Lido weir to ascertain its condition. If the weir is found to be on serviceable condition will also pay for the civil engineering
design, environmental permits and planning application.
If the group get through this stage, they plan to raise investment from the community via a community share offer. This will pay for construction of channels, Archimedes screw turbine and powerhouse. In order to benefit the river ecosystem, a new fish pass would be built allowing fish a safe passage over the weir. Investors would be paid back from revenue generated from the electricity sold. Any surplus profit will be reinvested in more renewable energy projects and educational resources.
But ambitions of the group don’t stop there, says Adam Harper fellow director at KCE “We want to support rooftop Solar PV panels for public and community buildings and local businesses. We are really excited to receive this grant from Northern Powergrid to get our Nidd hydro project off the ground”.
The group is keen to hear from anyone with an interest in renewable energy or a background in finance or accountancy who can spare 2-3 hours a month to support the group to deliver exciting renewable energy projects for the town. Email Gilly Lacey, gillian.lacey9@gmail.com