Business Details
16 Years
experience
Renewable Energy Solutions in Whalley
Established in 2010, our organisation represents a community-driven initiative to harness renewable energy through a hydroelectric generating plant on the River Calder in Whalley, Lancashire. Conceived as part of the Transition Towns movement, our project focuses on building local resilience against fossil fuel scarcity and climate change impacts. We operate as a community benefit society, directing surplus income towards local sustainability projects that reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. Our 100kW hydroelectric facility utilises a modern Archimedean screw system integrated with a historic weir dating back over 600 years. The project combines traditional infrastructure with contemporary technology to deliver reliable renewable energy to the national grid.Our governance model ensures democratic control through shareholder voting, regardless of investment size. We maintain transparency through annual reports and public updates on energy production and community fund allocations. Our team comprises local residents with diverse professional backgrounds in engineering, education, finance, and environmental conservation. We collaborate with specialist contractors and consultants to ensure technical excellence and regulatory compliance. Our long-term vision includes expanding community energy initiatives while maintaining financial sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Services
Hydroelectric power generation
Community benefit funding
Environmental education
Renewable energy consulting
Sustainability project grants
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer community-owned renewable energy solutions with local governance
- Our team combines engineering expertise with environmental conservation experience
- We reinvest surplus income into local carbon reduction initiatives
- We utilise proven technology integrated with historic infrastructure
- Our governance model ensures transparent, democratic decision-making
Associations and certifications
- Community Benefit Society
What people say
Community-owned
Environmental benefits
Local investment
Educational value
Sustainable model
Services
Hydroelectric power generation
Our 100kW hydroelectric plant harnesses the River Calder's flow using an Archimedean screw system. This technology converts water movement into electricity while maintaining fish-friendly operations. Generated power feeds directly into the national grid, supporting regional renewable energy targets.
Community benefit funding
We distribute surplus income through our Community Benefit Fund to local carbon reduction initiatives. This includes grants for school solar panels, energy efficiency improvements, and community facility upgrades. Our funding priorities align with climate change mitigation and energy security objectives.
Environmental education
We support educational programmes that teach energy conservation and low-carbon living. Our initiatives include school resources, community workshops, and real-time energy monitoring systems. These programmes help develop practical sustainability skills across generations.
Renewable energy consulting
We share expertise through advisory partnerships on micro-hydro projects and community energy schemes. Our consultants provide technical guidance and project management insights gained from our own hydroelectric implementation. This knowledge transfer supports wider renewable energy adoption.
Sustainability project grants
Our grant programmes target local initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Eligible projects include building insulation, LED lighting upgrades, and renewable energy installations. We prioritise schemes that demonstrate clear environmental benefits and community impact.
People
Andrew Geldeard
Director
Financial expert with textile and telecoms industry experience, managing accounts and billing systems. Active in local sports and community development in Whalley for 20 years.
Henry Farrar
Director
Former environmental educator with Lancashire Outdoor Education Field Centre. Specialises in conservation and sustainability initiatives while supporting local sports clubs and community projects.
Rory Fergusson
Director
Retired power plant manager with marine engineering and food manufacturing experience. Supports youth development through the Princes Trust and local environmental initiatives.
Tim Ashworth
Director
Mechanical engineering specialist with paper industry R&D experience. Holds multiple patents for energy-efficient systems and provides technical leadership to the hydro project.
David Dawson
Director
Project management professional with aerospace and railway heritage expertise. Brings procurement and large-scale project coordination skills to the hydro scheme's development.
Questions
How does the hydroelectric plant generate electricity?
We use an Archimedean screw system that converts the River Calder's flow into mechanical energy, which drives a generator to produce electricity.
What happens to the generated electricity?
All electricity feeds into the national grid and sells to a renewable energy supplier under government-backed Feed-in Tariff arrangements.
How is the community involved in the project?
Local residents own the scheme through shares, vote on decisions, and benefit from community fund grants supporting sustainability initiatives.
What environmental considerations exist?
The system includes fish passes for safe aquatic migration and maintains minimum river flows to protect local ecosystems.
How does weather affect operations?
Output varies with rainfall patterns, with higher winter production and potential drought-related reductions during dry summers.
What community projects have been funded?
We've supported school solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, community insulation projects, and educational resources for carbon reduction.
