Local Renewable Energy

Why Local Renewable Energy?

We need to plan for the future.

A study conducted in 2022 by Hope Valley Climate Action has concluded that by 2050 the energy demand in the Hope Valley will increase threefold from 20 to 63 GWh.

This increase is driven by the critical need to decarbonise the economy to avert the worst impacts of climate change.

Locally generated renewable energy from hydro and solar projects will play an important part in meeting that demand.

Baslow Old Mill has long been recognised as an ideal site.

Its position has been enhanced by the fact that the River Derwent is fed by Ladybower Reservoir and Severn Trent Water Authority are required to release water from the reservoir to maintain the flow of the river during dry spells.

This largely mitigates the problem of reduced generation during dry spells experienced by other local hydro projects.

Our own business planning, combined with the experience of other local projects gives us confidence that the Hydro Scheme will make a profit sufficient to repay loans and investment and then to contribute to renewable energy initiatives in the village - for example, installation of solar panels on the village hall.

In our own work and planning we have been grateful for the guidance and experience of community energy projects at Derwent Hydro, Esk Valley, High Torrs.