Harnessing the power of Hydro

29 Apr 2009

A new chapter in Northern Ireland’s search for a sustainable future has been opened with the completion of a hydroelectric scheme in Plumbridge.

Local man Gerard Murphy has installed a 15KW Hydro system at the refurbished Gleshygolgan Flax Mill, providing sufficient energy to provide the electrical needs of his home.

The micro hydro system, funded by Northern Ireland Electricity’s Smart programme and Northern Ireland DETI Reconnect scheme is built on a disused flax mill site on the Gleshygolgan Burn and will generate around 58,000 kWh of electricity each year.

With the river in such close proximity to Gerard’s home he says that installing a hydro system was an easy decision, especially as at one time the site provided enough energy to run a mill: “The opportunity to substantially cut my energy bills and make significant carbon savings was practically on my doorstep! At one time there were 1,200 mill sites in Northern Ireland, many of which could now be adapted for hydro schemes. Hydro is a very feasible option for householders and businesses in Northern Ireland as our landscape is covered with rivers and streams.”

The environmentally friendly householder has used the expertise and skills which he has gained in his own project to help others considering hydro projects. Alongside Trevor McBurney, Gerard runs Hydro NI, a design, planning and consultancy company which is accredited under the Renewable Energy Installer Academy.

Northern Ireland Electricity’s Smart programme is keen to offer support to those considering hydro systems and have funded five small scale hydro installations to date with five further grant offers made. The installed projects total 124kWe and are dispersed across the province from Omagh to Larne.

Gwyneth Compston, from NIE Energy visited the system last week and believes that hydro is the way forward for Northern Ireland: “There is enormous potential for hydro generated electricity and this project will benefit the local community through the reduction of Carbon emissions. There is a number of existing, out of use hydro generating systems in Northern Ireland and many of these could be easily put back into operation. “

“Hydro technology not only has high levels of operational reliability, it also is low maintenance and has low operating costs. We are keen to encourage more landowners to invest in hydro projects which will add to Northern Ireland’s clean, renewable electricity capacity.”


Not only will Gerard be saving money on his energy bills, but he will receive payments for the electricity which he exports back to the NIE grid by signing up to NIE Energy’s Micro Generation Tariff. NIE Energy can purchase a renewable generator’s for NI Renewable Obligation Certificates (NIROCs) and also electricity that is generated but isn't used on the premises (Export).

For more energy saving advice and information about renewable energy solutions log on to www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk .

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