About this group
We are a group comprising representatives from both the Didsbury and Northenden side of the River Mersey supported by Didsbury Civic Society and Northenden Civic Society.
The plan is to install an Archimedes Screw type hydroelectric generator of 50 kW capacity roughly on the site of the Northenden Mill. This was a water-powered corn mill, originally probably from as early as the 13th century, rebuilt in the 16th and again in the 18th centuries. In fact, this was probably the site of the first commercial hydroelectric generation scheme in Britain, run by the original Wylex company. The electricity will be fed into the grid via a substation located only 100m away.
Feasibility studies have already been carried out and the Environment Agency are supportive of our proposals. support.
Manchester City Council, as the relevant planning authority, have given their approval in principle.
Implementation costs, including fees, should be in the region of £500k
Our generator should be quiet, wildlife-friendly and run for many years with minimal maintenance.
The intention is to form a community interest company whereby a proportion of the profits generated by the system will be reinvested in the local community.
Energy type
