Investing in small-scale hydro

Overview

Renewable energy generation is crucial for the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target. Hydro-Electricity is amongst the most sustainable forms of green energy. Globalfields has invested in the 2019 Linton Hydro limited bond offer through Triodos Bank as part of our efforts to contribute actively to climate action. Investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures is a key pillar ion Globalfields’ strategic mandate in green finance.

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Linton Hydro

Linton Hydro was established in 2016 with the aim of developing and upgrading the existing 100kW hydro scheme - owned through its subsidiary, Flowpower Limited, and constructing an additional larger turbine of 280kW - through its other subsidiary, Widdington Hydro Limited - at the Linton Lock on the River Ouse in Yorkshire. Together, these turbines are known as the Linton Lock Scheme. The Linton Lock Scheme delivers on five of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), a collection of global goals for the year 2030, which act as a blueprint for a more sustainable future. The Linton Lock fulfils the following five goals: Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Action; and Life Below Water.

In terms of its power generation, the scheme has the potential of powering up to 450 homes a year as well as a family-run free-range chicken farm. The 280kW turbine is expected to generate 1250MWh of clean energy each year, which should be enough to power 300 homes; while improvement works in the adjacent 100kW turbine seek to generate 620MWh of clean energy a year, enough to power an additional 150 homes. Furthermore, Linton Hydro supplies green energy to a family-run free-range chicken farm (by way of private wire) with the remainder of the power generated exported via the grid.

Its broader aims include boosting the river’s fish population and creating a valuable regional canoeing facility. The construction of the large access thus includes canoe access through the creation of a white water course; and supports fish populations through additional fish passes.