Sheffield Renewables is celebrating gaining planning permission for our Jordan Dam hydro power scheme near Meadowhall. The project has been supported by CO2Sense since its early days of development.
Rob Pilling, Managing Director said "Planning permission for our hydro power scheme is a boost to our plans for community owned renewable energy in Sheffield. It is particularly encouraging that so much of the work was contributed by volunteers."
The scheme will generate around 310,000kWh of electricity per year, enough to power around 80 typical family homes, providing a saving of around 150 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The site was chosen because it is one of the best water power resources in Sheffield.
Uncertainty over planning permission was a significant barrier to the project's development and as such was a key milestone in Sheffield renewables early stage funding support provided by CO2Sense.
Now that is hurdle has been overcome, the project will be focusing on raising the money required to build the scheme. With volunteers leading the scheme's development, Sheffield Renewables is keen to ensure that ownership resides within the Sheffield community. The aim will be to raise £250,000 towards the scheme through a community share offer in the Autumn. This will provide an ethical investment opportunity to individuals, organisations and businesses.
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. Anyone that is interested can find out more about getting involved by visiting: www.SheffieldRenewables.org.uk