GSSG is examining the feasibility of installing hydro-electric generation on the weir adjacent to the Goring Lock.
This is what it might look like.
Most of the investigative work on the project has now been completed.
We are now (6 Oct 08) considering how we might fund the construction phase.
Please register your interest in investing on our
Registration page.page.More about the current status of the project can by following the link.
Also read the background story in the
Oxford Mail (26 Apr 07), the
Reading Evening Post (9 Jan 08),
Henley Standard (8 Sep 08) and the
Goring Gap News (Sept 08 and Oct 08).
The preferred technology is the Archimedes Spiral as they allow fish and eels to pass through without harm, are low maintenance, relatively easy to install, visually entrancing and audibly relaxing. (see thread below). One has been installed on the River Dart, which is the UK's third operational Archimedes Spiral in operation. A picture of the Archimedes Spiral that is used in the River Dart Country Park Hydro-electric Plant is shown below.
The Spirals on our weir would be less than half this length because the weir head is less, but the diameter of ours will be twice as much to generate the power we want. We won't have a housing at the top as we'll use an hydraulic power takeoff linking all three with a generator in a small building near the lock-keeper's house.
Click to see a video of the Spiral in operationThree more of these turbines will become operational in the UK over the course of this year.Further
technical information about the operation of these type of schemes has been produced by the
British Hydropower Association.