HOMES in Huddersfield could soon by lit by hydro electric power.
A plan to build a small plant on the River Colne at Aspley is set to be unveiled next week.
And, if successful, the plant – using an ancient technique for lifting water in reverse – could be providing power for up to 60 homes.
The hydro power plant would be able to run for at least 50 years and power bills could be cut.
Details of the innovative scheme will be unveiled at a meeting of Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield South Area Committee on Tuesday.
Councillors want to kick start consultations on the proposed Micro Hydro Power Plant at Aspley Weir, close to the Snow Island student hostels.
The plant will be community owned and managed and surplus profits will be returned to the community.
Full details of the scheme will be provided by Water Power Enterprises, who have already launched projects in Derbyshire and North Yorkshire.
The presentation on the scheme will be at 7pm at the Huddersfield Methodist Mission in Lord Street.
Steve Welch, of the company, said: “Kirklees Council has agreed to a grant of £75,000 towards the project and the total costs will be about £300,000.
“We hope to attract other grants, arrange a loan and plan to offer shareholdings.
“We did that in New Mills, Derbyshire, and attracted 208 people.
“The power we produce can go into the national grid or it can be used locally and I know there are student flats in the vicinity.
“The plant will incorporate a low head hydro site using the Archimedian Screw, with the water running down the screw providing the power.
“There will also be a small building, no more than 3m x 2m, at the head of the plant.
“The technology is very simple and is proven to work and hydro power is far more efficient that wind power.”
The company has also confirmed it is looking at possible other ventures at The Waterfront, off Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, in Mirfield and in Dewsbury.
Clr Roger Battye, who chairs the area committee, said: “We are eager to support projects that use natural resources and heritage to support the environment.
“We are both excited and eager to welcome such a scheme and the benefits that it will bring to the Huddersfield South locality. This project will be brought to life by the local community so it is very important that interested individuals and groups come along.”
