WATERWHEELS could be turning again all over the Yorkshire Dales National Park if a scheme to generate electricity is backed by landowners and residents.

Nearly 50 potential sites for small-scale hydro-electric units have been considered in a study commissioned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA).

Authority members have agreed to spend up to £3,000 to arrange seminars to promote small-scale hydro power to National Park landowners and communities groups.

Moya Turrell, the Authority’s Sustainable Development Officer, said: “The Dales has a long history of harnessing waterpower for its traditional industries and many of its villages had their own electricity schemes in the early 1900s. Today, with increasing energy costs, Government incentives and concerns about carbon dioxide emissions, there is growing local interest to examine the hydro potential of former mill sites and to investigate new ones.

“The YDNPA is keen to see the development of small-scale hydro-power sites to meet local energy needs – and the restoration of former sites also offers an opportunity to conserve some of our most important local buildings. For example, we have already helped to get hydro power schemes off the ground at Gayle Mill and Yore Mill at Aysgarth and have supported the design of schemes at Linton Falls and Farfield Mill”.

Kendal-based Inter Hydro Technology (IHT) Ltd was asked to carry out a feasibility study on 49 potential sites.

It estimated each site’s potential power outputs and its economic viability, and gave a preliminary assessment of any regulatory and environmental barriers to development. More detailed work involving environmental impacts and constraints is required to make a full assessment of the sites.

The report concluded that there were many worthwhile opportunities for hydro power in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the economic viability of some sites may be improved on by further investigation. For example, there are several sites that could become more viable if landowners were able to undertake some of the construction themselves.

Several landowners, developers and local communities have already shown interest in the study. To respond to this, the Authority intends to host one or two seminars about small-scale hydro power in the Dales later this year. The Authority is also looking at how it can best support the development of potential schemes.

The full report is now available on the YDNPA website. Hard copies will also be available for inspection at our Bainbridge and Grassington offices.