The Rumbling Bridge Community Hydro Society celebrated the official launch of its 500-kW small hydro project on Oct. 28, with a guided walk to the powerhouse.
The society raised £2.9 million (US$3.5 million) in a community share offer to fund building of the project. It attracted more than 660 members, including local residents and renewable energy supporters living nationwide, according to a press release.
The run-of-river facility, on the River Devon near Rumbling Bridge village, contains two 250-kW Francis turbines that will operate at full capacity if water flows exceed 2.3 cubic meters per second.
SSE Power Distribution provided a grid connection offer to Rumbling Bridge.
“The project is an important step in the green energy revolution because a community is taking control of an energy generating asset and will run the business democratically for the benefit of the community. The economic benefits will be available to members, the local community and organisations which share common values,” said Paul Phare, chair of the society.
Work on the project began in December 2015.
