Upset at Shrewsbury hydro scheme failure
News that plans to install an underwater turbine at Shrewsbury's weir have been cancelled have been met with dismay by council chiefs.
Shrewsbury Town Council had thrown their weight behind the scheme, which would have brought hydro electricity to the River Severn at Castlefields.
But it was announced last week that the scheme, put forward by Shrewsbury Hydro Community Interest Company, would not be going ahead following concerns over delays.
The company took the decision after realising it could not guarantee having the scheme completed by March 9, 2018, which would have seen the amount it was paid for electricity produced reduced by half.
Alan Mosley, leader of the town council and councillor for the Castlefields ward said: "It is sad news that the weir hydro project is not going to go ahead.
"It was much welcomed as an important environmental scheme which would also bring a new fish pass and other amenity advantages.
"The town council has supported the scheme from its inception and has worked hard with all stakeholders to help make it happen.
"Let’s hope that lessons have been learned and that a revised project can come forward in due course.”
Last week Mark Scutt from Shrewsbury Hydro said he was very disappointed that the project had been shelved.
He said: "A lot of people have put a lot of effort into it and it is a super project but we have to face the reality and there is no point going on and on when we can see we have run out of time.”
The delay in starting construction is related to the permissions needed for the company to use the land on which the scheme would have been based.
The company had sought permission from Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and the Environment Agency for use of their land close to the weir and existing fish pass.
Mr Scutt said: “Planning permission and the environmental permissions for the project were obtained in 2015 and permission was obtained in 2016 for a new fish pass to replace the existing one but it has not been not possible to reach agreement in time to lease the small area of land alongside the weir which is required to build the new fish pass and install the proposed underground water turbine.
“Shrewsbury Hydro Community Interest Company is very grateful to all those who helped put the project together and to all those who have given their support.”
