GGRA AND THE COMMUNITY HYDRO SCHEME

In 2008 members of GGRA and the Chairman of Oldham Partnership formed a steering group to investigate the viability of a hydro-electric scheme in the Greenfield Area.
Dove Stone Reservoir was identified as a likely site and following a positive feasibility study and an interested landowner (United Utilities) an Industrial and Provident Society, Saddleworth Community Hydro Limited has been formed as the corporate entity necessary to make the necessary contracts, to oversee the project and to manage the operation of the scheme. 

During 2011, the Energy Saving Trust has awarded the steering group a grant of £223,000 from the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund after an impressive submission by Steve Welsh who has also engaged a specialist quantity surveyor to undertake a full engineering and cost report paid for with a £3,000 grant from the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.