- 03/09/2013
- Posted by: Ken Skates MS
- Category: News
CLWYD SOUTH AM KEN SKATES is urging community groups to find out more about an innovative project which would see a flood defence scheme power a town – and could earn them up to £40,000 a year.
Labour AM Mr Skates this week welcomed proposals for a hydro-electric generator as part of a £2m flood protection scheme in Corwen – and has called on interested constituents to attend a public meeting on Thursday, September 12.
The project would channel streams above Corwen to keep the town safe from water while generating electricity, creating power and cash for the area.
Rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd claims the sale of power could earn £40,000 a year for a community organisation running the 20-year project, which also involves Denbighshire County Council and Corwen’s Rhug Estate.
Cadwyn Clwyd says a feasibility study showed water flowing at 45 litres a second could power a 55 kilowatt generator housed in a purpose-built building in the town, which in turn could generate enough electricity to power more than 30 homes.
A public meeting will be held at the Corwen Sports Pavilion next Thursday at 6.45pm in a bid to find local investors and people to run the project.
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “This innovative idea could provide a huge boost for Corwen and the surrounding area and I look forward to hearing more about the plans. I would encourage local people and organisations to go along to the meeting, as they could be key to getting the project off the ground.”
The Welsh Labour Government announced funding for the £1.8m flood alleviation scheme last month. The project will help protect 80 properties and the A5 trunk road from the threat posed by Nant Cawrddu and Nant Pigyn.
Mr Skates added: “This project will require local backing to raise the start-up costs, but it could potentially earn community groups a lot of money for a long time. I would urge anyone who thinks they can play a role to attend next week and find out more.”
The Welsh Labour Government has committed £14.5m to flood alleviation schemes in Denbighshire over the past decade, the Labour AM added.
