Supporters of the River Bain Hydro scheme are having an Open Day on the village green in Bainbridge on Saturday 22 May which will be launched by Lady Diana Brittan at 12 noon.

“The Open Day will give people a chance to find out all about the hydro scheme” said River Bain Hydro Director, Yvonne Peacock.

“We’ll have a marquee on the village green with exhibitions, a video of similar schemes which are already up and running and there’ll be a chance to talk in depth to the Directors, as well as people who’ve already bought shares in the hydro”.

The proposed hydro scheme, situated on the banks of the River Bain in the heart of Bainbridge village will provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 40 homes. Representatives of River Bain Hydro and H2oPE, who set up the UK’s first community-owned hydro schemes, will be on hand to explain more about the community-owned hydro scheme. Exhibition boards will illustrate how the technology works and show the types of activities that will be funded as surplus monies are raised.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which is supporting the scheme will also have an exhibition at the event.

Chairman Carl Lis said: “The Authority has a pro-active approach to small scale hydro power in the National Park. Well-designed schemes offer a significant opportunity for renewable energy to be generated in a way that can help contribute to carbon reduction targets without compromising the special qualities of the National Park – and we are happy to be involved.”

With a 45kW installed capacity, The River Bain Hydro, the first community-owned hydro in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, will generate approximately 185,000kWh per year, saving 80 tonnes of CO2 per year, 3000 tonnes over an expected lifetime of 40 years. The aim is to raise £250,000 through a share offer to fund the scheme. Shares cost £1 each with a minimum shareholding of £250 and can be purchased on the day or in advance by downloading a prospectus at www.h2ope.co.uk

“We’ve had a great deal of interest in the scheme from right across the county and from Teeside and beyond. What we need now is for people to dig deep and ensure that the funds are raised so that we can start on site in the summer” added Yvonne.

The Open Day event will start at 12 noon and refreshments will be provided.