Esk Energy
Ruswarp Weir Hydro Project

The Idea
To generate electricity using the power of the River Esk at Ruswarp Weir without detriment to the visual attractiveness of the area or the local wildlife.

The Scheme
Esk Energy hope to install two 35kW Archimedes Screw type turbines on the south side of the River Esk adjacent to the existing fish pass.  The turbines would generate 35kW of green electricity each, which would be sold via the local electricity network.  Any profits made by the scheme would be ploughed back into energy projects in the North York Moors.

The Turbine
The Archimedes Screw turbine has been chosen for this site for a number of reasons.  It is the most efficient turbine for the site given the flow regime in the area with periods of little flow and times of significant flow when the river floods.  The turbine is very robust and capable of dealing with the onslaught of trees in the river during floods.  Small logs, trees and rubbish can pass safely through the turbine without damaging it and as a result expensive screening can be omitted.  Through rigorous testing the turbine has been shown to be fish friendly.

The Wildlife
The River Esk is known to be extremely important for migratory fish as well as Otters and other protected species.  Due to the nature of the turbine fish can travel downstream through the turbine without harm.  Larger animals and people will be prevented from entering the turbine by a screen.  A detailed survey of the fish has been undertaken, (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REPORT) which will ensure that there is sufficient water to allow upstream migration by Salmon and Sea Trout.  The design of the scheme is being carried out in liaison with the Environment Agency.

Finance
Esk Energy are an Industrial Provident Society which is a form of not for profit company.  Grants have been obtained from Yorkshire Forward and the North York Moors and Howardian Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund for the development of this site as a flagship demonstration project which will hopefully lead to further development of hydro power at other sites along the River Esk and elsewhere in the North York Moors.

Timescales
Licences for Abstraction from the Environment Agency have been applied for and it is hoped that development will commence late in the Summer of 2009.