During 2009/2010 Heron Corn Mill installed a 100kW Kaplan propellertype hydropower turbine. This innovative and exciting addition will provide green energy for the entire complex, creating sustainability for the Trust and bringing new avenues of educational and artistic potential. In effect, we are diverting the course of the River Bela from the watermill's historic commercial industry to a contemporary creative industry.
The scheme was designed by Inter Hydro Technology with the turbine built by NHT Engineering and civil engineering undertaken by Askam Construction LTD.
The project highlights the importance of our primary resource - the river, and how this has been the reason why water powered industry has been the mainstay of our location for centuries. Future interpretation for the site will include opening up and maximising viewing access to the old mechanics of the waterwheel in contrast to the modern technologies of the hydro turbine.
A time-lapse video of the hydro installation construction can be viewed here.
An audio/visual presentation and talk on the new social setting of Heron Corn Mill and the role hydro power has played in the past, present and future of the site can be arranged for groups of 6 or more, and also includes a tour of the hydro power installation and refreshments in the barn. Please get in touch for booking.
Funding for the turbine project began with huge support from the major funder of the project, The Northern Rock Foundation. Grants from the following trusts and foundations were very kindly given:
A loan from Charity Bank was obtained to finish off the project.
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