Mill owners from across the South West shared their experiences of restoring mills to be power producing sites at the Three Counties Micro-Hydro Conference, hosted by Somerset County Council with Dorset and Devon County Councils.

Mill owners, national bodies and organisations responsible for implementing micro-hydro attended the Conference, with the aim of helping move the micro-hydro agenda forward to realise the region's potential of this natural source of electricity.

Hydropower is considered one of the most landscape-friendly renewable energy technologies, which once up and running is carbon neutral. The Conference explored the technology and investment opportunities available, drawing on the experiences of owners, installers and suppliers of hydropower.

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With a number of sites up and running across the three counties, the South West has already had some great success stories. Somerset has exceeded its target of producing 0.2 megawatts of electricity through hydropower technologies. The region also has further growth potential, with many weirs and historic mill sites across the three counties that are suitable for development.

Somerset, Dorset and Devon coordinated the conference with the aim of creating a 'Three Counties Federation', offering resources and support for mill owners and the micro-hydropower industry. All three counties intend to continue working together through the Federation to support and help increase the amount of hydropower installed and running.

Councillor Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "Hydropower can be a profitable long-term investment as well as making a substantial contribution to reducing carbon emissions. The Three Counties Micro-Hydro Conference is an excellent initiative and by working with our partners and colleagues in Devon and Dorset we can make sure that development in the region is sustainable and that it protects rural landscapes and the environment."

(JM)