The agency called for Expressions of Interest (EoI) earlier this month for the potential development of projects at Bell near Egham, Sunbury and Teddington weirs – sites which were identified as being of high potential following screening of all 44 weirs on the River Thames.
The proposal to offer further sites for development follows on from an original Environment Agency pilot project being led by a private developer at Romney Weir in Windsor, which should be operational by the end of the year. The Environment Agency is also working with community groups interested in developing schemes at Osney Weir in Oxford and Goring Weir in south Oxfordshire.
Organisations interested in developing the sites have been asked to submit outline proposals for their chosen site/s. It is anticipated that preferred developers will be selected for each site by the end of May.
The Environment Agency has published Good Practice Guidelines for developers, providing guidance for the development of sustainable hydro power schemes ensuring minimal adverse environmental impact. It is also streamlining its permitting process and launched a consultation on Friday March 19 which seeks ways of doing this whilst maintaining the highest possible standards of environmental protection. Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/ho/br/hydro/power before 11 June to contribute to this consultation.
Interested parties should call 01276 454427 or email custthse@environment-agency.gov.uk for more details about the Expressions of Interest document.
