In an exciting initiative, volunteers are proposing a hydropower system at a scenic location in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset. This project aims to utilize the Cheddar Yeo river’s potential to generate energy and support local community projects through the installation of eco-friendly car charging points.
The region has a rich history of harnessing the river’s power, dating back centuries when it operated up to 13 mills for various purposes, including milling paper and corn. Huw Robson, one of the project’s leaders, emphasized that the new hydropower system would not only serve as a source of renewable energy but also generate funds that can be reinvested into community-led initiatives. Robson described the addition of car charging stations as particularly thrilling, as they would directly draw energy from the flowing river.
The project is presently three-quarters of the way through its feasibility study, which has been overseen by the Cheddar Community Partnership for a year. It is estimated that the hydropower system could produce around 200,000 kWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power multiple homes. The project has garnered financial support from the government’s Community Energy Fund, managed by the South West Net Zero Hub. This initiative represents a significant step toward sustainability, fostering both environmental awareness and economic support for the local community.
