Hydroelectric plant proposed for Salford Quays

Energy company Renewables First has put forward initial plans for a hydroelectric plant straddling the Manchester Ship Canal between Salford Quays and Trafford Park, which could provide energy to power 500 homes.

The scheme, which could produce in excess of 0.5MW, will be situated at Mode Wheel Locks, opposite Broadway on the Salford side of the canal and Trafford Wharf Road on the other.

It will also sit near the Lightbox development, a 19-storey, 238 apartment scheme, currently being built by contractor Bouygues.

Mode Wheel Locks is the last set of locks on the Manchester Ship Canal before it enters the Salford Quays basin, and are designed to lift ships 13ft into the canal basin.

Renewables First is proposing to install a turbine, generator housing, and underground cabling in and around the site, as well as a turbine house, substations and other plant.

The proposals are outside protected areas and, according to Renewables First, the impact on the environment “would not be significant” and would be “reversible” once the turbine is decommissioned.

The energy firm has now submitted a request for a formal screening opinion ahead of a planning application to Trafford Council.

A pre-application submission was put forward to the council in September this year.

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Brilliant.

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