Pulteney Weir hydro plan to power Bath Christmas lights
- Published
The plans include work to improve the appearance of the 1970s flood defence scheme
A £1m plan to generate electricity using the flow of the River Avon through Bath has been unveiled.
The River Regeneration Trust said it thinks Pulteney Weir could make enough power to run the city's Christmas lights.
It wants to install an Archimedes screw which will act as a hydro-electric generator.
Power produced from the privately-funded scheme could be sold back to the national grid.
Water flowing down the weir will be directed through the screw to turn a turbine to produce electricity.
"The aim is to position the micro hydro electric power turbines and generators within the existing concrete and steel structure at Pulteney Weir in a way that minimises their visual impact," said Philip Challinor from the trust.
"The device is almost silent, and can be produced in appropriate colours for a World Heritage Site and conservation area such as Bath," said Mr Challinor.
- Published13 February 2013
- Published18 January 2012