Case ref: MLA/2019/00429/2
Licence ref: L/2020/00136/2

Case summary

Main content

Project description

Project title

Project background

The proposal is to install two Archimedean Screws in the currently disused lock at Eastham.
The Project has successfully been granted an impoundment licence by the Environment Agency, and has also been granted full Planning Permission by Wirral Council.
The aim of this project is to make use of the currently underutilised potential of the Manchester Ship Canal to produce a reliable and consistent generation of green renewable electricity via a new Environmentally friendly Hydropower generation plant.
The accompanying eel pass will be designed in consultation with the Environment Agency and will improve migratory conditions and will be optimally positioned in relation to the Archimedean screws.
The old lock gates will be removed and replaced by an automated sluice gate set to operate within the tidal parameters, as agreed with the Environment Agency under an impoundment licence. The sluice gate will feed water into the two Archimedean Screws, positioned downstream of the sluice gate. The weight of water flowing through the Archimedean Screws will cause the screws to turn, thereby capturing the energy in the water.
The Archimedean Screws will operate between average tide and the low tide. The turbines will operate at approximately 4 hours either side of low tide. Therefore a total operational time of only 8 hours per tidal cycle. On average (subject to tidal movements) this will represent around 16 operational hours within any 24 hour period. The water level in the MSC is maintained by multiple sluice gates. Our proposed automated sluice gate at the turbine intake will operate within these operational parameters of the multiple sluice gates in the MSC. The proposed Lagoon pool will maintain the design downstream water level of the turbine during low tide events. An Eel/Lamprey pass has been designed and will be included as a key part of the Eastham Lock Hydro scheme and advice from the EA regarding the specification is being sought.

Programme of works

Other information

Applicant details

Mr Petr Noscak / +44 (0) 7444311018 / noscak@hydropol.cz
WEAVER HYDRO LIMITED / Wellington House 273-275 High Street, London Colney, St Albans, Hertfordshire / AL2 1HA

Date application submitted

Date application validated

Date initial decision made

Date decision made for latest variation

Status