Green Power
Our reverse Archimedes screw turbine (known as Archie) is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Sett and the Goyt. Since he started generating in the summer of 2008, Archie has produced over 1,952 MWh of clean, green electricity that is sent directly to the nearby Co-op supermarket. Any surplus is fed into the National Grid.
- In spite of the low river levels at this time of year, Archie ran continuously throughout the month of June, albeit at a relatively low level of between 7 and 9 kW for most of the time. However, given that this is generated 24/7 it adds up! Even running at just 7kW, Archie generates 168 kWh a day, 1,176 kWh (just over 1 MWh) a week, of green electricity for the Co-op.
- Power produced in June 2024: 13,224 kWh (just under 14 MWh).
- Power produced in 2023: 199,000 kWh (199 MWh) exactly.
- Total power produced since we began generating in September 2008: 1,952.559 MWh
- Carbon saved so far: a bit over 460 metric tonnes. Note: This figure is based on the 2022 average for the National Grid of 236 g/kWh; it is now down to about half that (for more precise data, visit electricityinfo.org). When we began generating in September 2008 the National Grid had a much worse carbon footprint, however, so this figure is still a very conservative estimate.
The July 2024 Newsletter is now available
Over 15 Years Generating Clean, Green Energy
We celebrated Archie’s 15th “birthday” on Saturday, September 30th 2023 down at the site. It poured it down, which seems appropriate as this is the kind of weather Archie loves! Not so great for the volunteers present, although slightly damp cake still tastes good, and spirits (of the non-alcoholic variety) remained high. We have come a long way in the last 15 years.
Torrs Hydro New Mills Limited
Torrs Hydro New Mills Limited is a Community Benefit Society incorporated in 2007. We are collectively and democratically owned by its members, and it is thanks to our members’ investment in withdrawable, community shares (i.e. very distinct from the transferable shares of a private or public company), as well as some grant funding, that the capital was raised to build the plant.
Back in 2007 we were almost unique in raising community share capital.
Learn more about the society, including the Annual Reports that describe important events in each year and each year’s Financial Report.
Community Power
Torrs Hydro is an example of the power of communities to take action and begin to address the challenges that climate change presents to us all. We are a community owned and community funded organisation.
Volunteers
Torrs Hydro is run entirely by volunteers. Amongst them are engineers, health and safety specialists, teachers, community workers, computer whizz kids etc, etc, basically just ordinary folk with a passion for green technology. Do you have time to spare to help Archie?
- The daily checks on the site
- Work parties to unblock and clean up Archie
- Show organised groups around the site (mostly Monday to Friday)
- The administration of our Community Benefit Society
If you are interested please contact the Secretary – secretary@torrshydro.org