We are proud to be involved with a communtiy owned renewable electricity generation scheme in the Torrs Riverside Park at the centre of New Mills. The scheme cleverly uses an old stone weir across the river Goyt which was originally built over 100 years ago to power a Cotton Mill which burnt down in 1912.
The Archimedes' Screw was installed in the autumn of 2008 and is now generating renewable electricity from the river. The turbine which has been nicknamed 'Archie' is based on an ancient technology originally designed to transport water uphill. Now the design has been reversed and Archie makes electricity from the power of the water flowing down the Goyt river.
The hydro scheme generates up to 60kw which is enough to power over 50 homes and the unique design means fish can pass through it unharmed. As it was only the 2nd one of its kind built in the country it has attracted lots of media attention and demonstrates how communities can work together to tackle climate change. For more details please visit the Torrs Hydro website
Due to the success of Torrs Hydro a similar scheme was completed in 2012 five miles downstream from New Mills at Otterspool weir in Stockport. The scheme is also now running successfully and producing clean renewable energy. For details please see Stockport Hydro. It is located next to the bridge opposite the Marple Garden Centre which has a nice cafe and is 15 minutes drive from Shaw Farm
