City goes with the flow as dam hydropower project approved

HYDROPOWER is set to come to Jordan Dam, near Meadowhall, after a planning application submitted by social enterprise Sheffield Renewables was approved.

Once up and running, it is thought that the project on the River Don will generate around 310,000 kilowatts of electricity per year – the amount used by about 80 typical family-sized homes.

Group managing director Rob Pilling said: “Planning permission for our hydropower scheme is a boost to our plans for community-owned renewable energy in Sheffield.

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“It is particularly encouraging that so much of the work was contributed by volunteers.”

Now Sheffield Renewables is focusing upon raising £250,000 to fund the scheme.

A spokesman for the group said: “The aim will be to raise £250,000 through a community share offer in the autumn.

“This will provide an ethical investment opportunity for individuals, organisations and businesses.

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“The remaining costs will be met with grants and loans. Profits from the scheme will support the development of more renewable energy projects in the city.”

At Jordan Dam, which separates the River Don from the canal, a modern Archimedes screw will be installed which will use the downward movement of water to generate electricity.

Sheffield Renewables is also behind another hydro-electricity scheme in Sheffield, which would involve putting in a water wheel on the River Don at Kelham Island.

That project is a collaboration with Sheffield Council and Kelham Island Museum.