One-off opportunity for a hydroelectricity plant

After reading the recent stories about the redevelopment plans for the Taplow Paper Mill site, it seemed that the chance to contribute to something exciting was being missed by the developer and South Bucks District Council (SBDC).

The site is ideal for an effective hydroelectric generation scheme similar to that proposed for Romney Weir in Windsor and backed by the Environment Agency, except in this case there are fewer site and planning issues.

The drop in height of the Thames at Boulters Lock is just under eight feet which makes it one of the deepest drops on the river and the mill already has its own feeder channel from the Jubilee River and outlet back into the main stream.

There is a continued development and evolution in turbine technology which will make harnessing the Thames for electricity generation a reality. Hydro schemes are being considered for many of the weirs on the river.

The proposal for a similar scheme at Goring, which is well advanced, estimates annual generation up to £120,000 of electricity at current prices. This is a one-off opportunity to create a showcase for sustainable development, not just another set of expensive riverside apartments with moorings.

The Maidenhead Advertiser in combination with RBWM, SBDC and the Environment Agency should use their combined forces to persuade the developer to create a truly groundbreaking scheme of which everyone can be proud.

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