SUPPORTERS of a Gloucestershire climate change action group were given a guided tour of a pioneering energy-generating installation at a former mill near Coaley.

A low-maintenance hydro-electric turbine has been producing power at Coaley Mill, the base of cooker firm Everhot, since 1978.

Ossie Goring, an engineer and expert on small-scale hydro-electricity power, installed the equipment in the River Cam and showed members of Gloucestershire Climate Action Network (GlosCAN) how it works on a visit last month.

The turbine has provided power to the mill consistently since it was first built bar a few days for general maintenance work.

Vaughan Webber, GlosCAN member, said that the turbine was a great example of how similar sites across the region could generate their own electricity.

“We had a great trip and Ossie is extremely knowledgeable about this kind of electricity generation.

“The turbine at Coaley Mill has been there since 1978 and is a good example to show how businesses can make use of rivers – particularly in this area where there are so many converted mills.”

In order to make the installation even more environmentally-friendly, a system of fish ladders has been put in the river at the site so that fish and elvers can pass safely upstream.

Mr Webber added: “Hydro power has advantages in addition to generation of clean electricity.

“It means water levels in rivers are managed so that floods are more easily prevented and water courses are maintained.

“Gloucestershire has scores of former water mills that are now derelict, but they are a resource that could potentially be tapped to produce the clean renewable energy of the future using modern turbines.”

For more information about GlosCAN and its work visit gloscan.org