Development Details: Two 4m diameter Archimedes screws, mounted on the weir structure. There is 300 kW maximum power output.

Original plans in 2003 were shelved in 2006 by the first contractor, then new plans in 2008. This pilot scheme is expected be operational in spring 2013

Developers http://www.sepengineering.com/

EA Update April 2013:

Further theoretical studies to look at Archimedes screws with 4 and 5 blade designs have been completed. An interim guidance note has been issued for use in determining applications using these designs. At Romney we have a commitment from the developer to fund fish passage trials on a 5 blade design Archimedes screw installed at the weir. This should provide evidence to support the national interim guidance note. Once the Romney scheme is operational our Fisheries Technical Specialists will work with the operator to develop a trial to simulate and record passage of fish through the 5 blade turbine. This will be important research to provide evidence and support to our Good Practice Guidelines and any proposed revisions.

Planning permission

Granted.

Licence

Issued. Scheme is not yet operational. National Grid connection test completed. Impoundment Licence Compliance check undertaken. Minor works are required prior to commissioning of turbines. Developer is planning to be operational in Spring 2013.

Agreement for Lease

Signed.

Electricity Agreement

Agreed with Royal Household at Windsor Castle

 

News, comment and history web links

17/04/2013 Windsor Castle hydro power contract to begin in coming weeks – BBC

13/02/2013 Windsor Castle hydro power passes test and ready to start – BBC

03/01/2013 Windsor Castle ready for power test – BBC

07/08/2012 Windsor Castle Hydropower delayed again – BBC

20/12/2011 Hydropower could harm Ecology – BBC

20/12/2011 Windsor Castle Turbines Installed  – BBC

15/11/2011 Turbines to power Windsor Castle – Jackson

05/10/2011 Romney Weir gets ready for Hydropower  – Environment Agency

09/09/2011 Hydropower Turbines arrive at Windsor Castle

21/07/2011 The green Queen who's powered by the Thames  – Daily mail.co.uk

17/06/2011 Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change questions – www.parliament.co.uk

05/06/2011 Big Fish Column – sloughexpress.co.uk

06/02/2011 Hydro-plant plans for castle on course – RB Obsever

02/03/2009 NPower pulls out of Romney Project – rechargenews.com

01/12/2007 Innogy Plc Plan for Hydro-Electric Scheme at Romney Lock

Royal Windsor Forum

Thames Anglers Conservancy seeks to ensure that all content and information published at this web site is current and accurate. In addition, the Thames Anglers Conservancy cannot be held responsible for the content of any externally linked pages

Back