Leicestershire rivers have hydropower potential

Despite Leicestershire's flatness, various sites which would be suitable for hydropower plants have been identified.

Two consultants commissioned by Leicestershire's district councils and Rutland County Council have found a variety of locations where the water flow has the potential to generate electricity to power homes and businesses.

Environmental consultancy Groundwork established that Cotes Mill, Quorn Mill and Barrow, were among a variety of locations on the River Soar where hydropower plants could be set up.

Meanwhile, IT Power also found locations on the River Soar as well as various spots on the River Trent, such as the Sawley Cut Weir and Ratcliffe Power Station Weir, which could be used to generate electricity.

Professor Tony Marmont, from Loughborough University's Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, told ThisisLeicestershire: "Leicestershire may not have the geography of Derbyshire, which lends itself to hydro-power, but there is still definite potential which needs to be investigated.

"We certainly could power a good number of homes using the water we have and as hydro technology evolves and becomes more efficient there will be greater possibilities."

Hydroelectric power plants account for 40 per cent of all renewable electricity in the UK, according to the British Hydropower Association.