Dartington Cider Press is to become a generator of renewable electricity when it turns on its new hydro-electic turbine at Lower Tweet Mill on Wednesday, March 10.
Lower Tweed Mill was built in 1932, and the waterwheel attached to the building, driven by a leat from Bidwell Brook, originally powered the mechanical looms which made Dartington tweed.
Production of cloth ceased in the 1950s, and the mechanical system of belts and pulleys was dismantled. However, the waterwheel remained in position and continued to turn freely until restoration work began in March 2008.
Sustainability co-ordinator at Schumacher College Dr Jon Rae told the PRSD: “Sustainability is at the heart of Dartington. Getting the water wheel up and running again is the first of a number of renewable technologies that will help Dartington move to near to zero in carbon emissions by 2015. The wheel is generating 100% green electricity that we can utilise on the Dartington Estate through our own private electricity network.
“In terms of output, the 1.5kW generator produces around 8–10MWh per annum, enough to meet the electricity demand of three households.
“During the day, all electricity will be consumed within the building whilst at night when the offices are empty the power is still being generated so we are able to feed it into our own network. We estimate that this will have the effect of reducing our carbon footprint by five tonnes of carbon per annum,”
“By reconnecting the upper and lower parts of the Bidwell Brook, and by ensuring that a minimum flow is always maintained within the stream for fish migration, spawning salmon and sea trout can reach the upper reaches of the River Dart,” said Dr Rae.
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