Plans approved for a waterfall based hydro system to power Wepre Park visitor centre

Plans have been approved by Flintshire Planning Officers which will see an electricity producing micro-hydro system installed at Wepre Park.

The 4.5KW micro hydro system will reduce the grid electricity demand at the visitor centre by around 36%, leading to a reduction in the total electricity bill for the site.

The 4.5kw micro-hydro scheme for Wepre Park has been approved. This will reduce the grid electricity demand at the visitor centre by around 36%. To be installed round the waterfall. @DeesideDotCom @Carolynthomas03 @FWeprepark

— Andy Dunbobbin (@acdunbobbin) December 21, 2018

The constant flow of water at the picturesque waterfall in will be harnessed to produce renewable energy 365 days a year using a hydro turbine.

The new system will reduce carbon emissions ‘helping to mitigate climate change and will contribute to the targets set out in Flintshire’s carbon management and improvement plans.’

It’s not the first-time Wepre Parks flowing water has been used to produce electricity, records show the Victorian residents of the long demolished old hall used it to power the house.

Originally, water was sent from a dam into a turbine which produced electricity for the old hall.

Powys based Greenearth Hydro was commissioned to develop detailed plans for the system which will see a water intake box at the top of the waterfall, the building of a small stone slab roofed power house at the base of the waterfall and cabling up to the visitor center.

As part of the planning process, a consultation process took place on plans to instal the hydro system.

Wepre Park has undergone a £750,000 restoration in recent years which includes £583,400 investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund transforming the park and gardens to their former glory.

The grant, awarded to Flintshire County Council, has funded the restoration of the Old Hall Gardens and improved interpretation at the park.

Wepre Park is the backdrop to Ewloe Castle, an 11th century Scheduled Ancient Monument, which was built by the Welsh Princes during the borderland struggles with Edward I.