Two 20t bulb turbines have arrived at Beeston Weir on the River Trent in the UK: a key stage in the development of a 1.3MW hydro plant that will provide energy for 2000 local homes.

The project is backed by a UK government Non Fossil Fuel Obligation, which guarantees that power produced by the scheme will be bought at economic rates for 15 years. The £3M (US$5M) scheme has been developed by Welsh utility Hyder, in conjunction with environmental organisations and local government. It is due to go on line in December 1999 and is expected to operate for at least 20 years. Hyder’s hydro power business manager, Annie Thompsett, is pictured above.