Freeman’s Reach in Durham City is now set to be the UK’s first city centre development incorporating a hydropower generator. The Archimedes screw will drive a 100kw generator that is capable of supplying 75% of the total energy requirement of the development.
The screw was installed as part of a co-ordinated operation between the Freeman's Reach development team and Durham County Council.
The device will go through a programme of commissioning works and is expected to begin generating power in the autumn.
At 13m long and weighing 20 tonnes, the screw was designed and manufactured by water treatment and power specialist Spaans Babcock. Its design incorporates a fish pass that allows fish and elvers to travel upstream.
Freeman's Reach is being developed by a consortium led by Carillion Developments, Arlington Real Estate and Richardsons Capital. It will become the new home of National Savings & Investment and Her Majesty's Passport Office.
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