Dales hydro plant launched amid fears over funding cuts

Betsy and Robert Bell, of the Langcliffe Hall estate, have created the 40kW micro-scale hydro scheme which will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of a dozen homes.

The project cost about £150,000 to install, a third of which was funded by a grant from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust with the remainder paid for by the couple.

But Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority chiefs warned last month that similar schemes could be placed under threat as funding from the public sector and charities has dried up as a result of financial cuts.

Mrs Bell maintained the development of the plants is vital to provide a source of future renewable energy, and added: “Investment in renewable energy is not only a sound diversification project for farmers and landowners, but also crucial for securing a cost-effective energy supply for the future.

“Even though it has hardly rained since we installed the equipment three weeks ago, it has already generated 2,320kW of energy.”

The couple worked closely with the Country Landowners Association to develop the plant, which is powered by water flowing down the valley above Halton Gill.

The CLA’s regional director, Dorothy Fairburn, said: “Halton Gill is a fine example of how farmers and landowners can help deliver the country’s renewable energy requirements for the future.”