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Durham becomes first city centre to incorporate a fully-operational hydro-power generator

Hydro-electricity is being generated at the heart of Durham City after Freeman’s Reach, the Legal & General funded scheme, became the UK’s first city centre development to incorporate a fully-operational hydro-power generator.

Following the completion of a detailed commissioning process, an innovative water turbine is now harvesting energy from the River Wear, which is driving the 100kw generator.

Power generated at Freeman’s Reach is fed directly into the National Grid and distributed throughout its network. The turbine and generator will be operated and maintained by Durham County Council.

Utilising the power of the river, the generator is able to produce electricity that is the equivalent of 75 percent of the total energy requirement of the development.

The power generation is made possible by a 13-metre long, 20-tonne Archimedean screw, which is driven by the flow of the River Wear.

A variable speed drive controls the system according to the available river flow. Its regular operating speed is 18rpm, generating 60kw of power, with a maximum operating speed of 24rpm, which creates an output of 99kw.

The hydro-turbine has been designed to generate renewable energy 24 hours a day, which will also enable Freeman’s Reach to be awarded an ‘A’ Rated Energy Performance Certificate and BREEAM* Excellent status.

The Archimedean screw also improves the ecology of the river as its design incorporates an improved fish pass, which was created in consultation with the Environment Agency and enables fish and elvers to travel upstream more easily.

A fish counter has also been installed, which not only records numbers, but can also differentiate species. All of this information is passed via a telecom link to the Environment Agency.

The new turbine continues the legacy of hydro-power generation at Freeman’s Reach, which dates back more than 800 years to the original medieval Bishop’s Mill. Throughout the centuries a variety of buildings have benefited from the energy created by the River Wear including the former ice rink, which was powered by a 1930s turbine.

The new hydro-turbine is set to become a visitor attraction in its own right, as is an Energy Centre at Freeman’s Reach. They will be joined by a public art installation charting the history of energy generation on the site that will be installed on completion of phase 2 of the development.

Project Director for the Freeman’s Reach Development, Ian Beaumont, said: “We are immensely proud our development in Durham City is making a sustainable contribution to the UK’s electricity requirements.

“The green credentials of Freeman’s Reach make it a stand out development in the North East and demonstrates how a collaborative approach between developers and stakeholders can deliver a unique solution that benefits the area, its ecology and the environment.”

“It is also a great honour to be able to continue the legacy of energy generation at Freeman’s Reach.

“The opportunity to harness the power of the River Wear has been a hallmark of the site for hundreds of years and, by applying innovative technology, the river is enabling us to achieve the highest standards of sustainability.”

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