Following the news that Windsor is to get a micro-hydropower system, other mill owners are interested in jumping on the bandwagon. Micro-hydro is a far better use of water power than major damming plans. It won’t create huge new methane producing bodies of standing water and it will generally be generating power very close to the point of use. Plus, old mills are cool and ought to be kept working in one way or another.

Mr White is a town councillor in Gillingham, Kent. It was his idea to get the mill owners together, and he believes small hydroprojects can make a big contribution to Britain’s green energy needs. There are thousands of existing and former mill sites in the UK suitable for generating electricity, and if all were used they could provide almost 10% of the country’s power.

Mr White, who does not have a mill himself, had read of the rows about wind power that have split communities.

“It seemed to me that hydropower has all the advantages, it gives new life and use to these historic sites and buildings, and produces green energy – and everyone is in favour,” he said.

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