Moativation

Renewable energy sources are the way forward either on a national grid scale or on a single property basis. In the former we have certainly seen a dramatic change in our landscapes, both inland and offshore with wind turbines and increasingly with the vast arrays of ground mounted solar panels. 

Both of these main sources are rather quaintly called farms, whether to reflect the harvesting of energy or because of the areas of land that they take from conventional agriculture.

It is the homes of joe public, whether a new build or renovation, that I have come across eco-energy systems in particular. Developers like such features as unique selling points in order to compete for the monies of the public and some idealistic individuals see it as a crusade to do their bit for the planet and eventually, because of the long pay back periods for expensive installations, make something for their own pockets. 

I have not actually met anyone, yet, who brags about the cheap cost of their home generated electricity or at least with the same enthusiasm that people make it clear to you by how much their property value has appreciated on a week by week basis. 

The most popular innovations in a domestic property have been solar panels, ground source and air source heat pumps linked to the must have specifications of underfloor heating and heat recovery. 

I was therefore pleased and fascinated to see an archived Planning Application in my local area from a homeowner for something a bit retro indeed- that being an energy generating water wheel. 

Of course, you have to have the fundamental elements to bring such a dream of renewable self sufficiency to actual existence. 

These are a watercourse, preferably with some movement although not essential, sufficient space so as not to interfere with the environment or neighbours and with no risk to water flow, use or quality. 

This specific scheme is in a perfect setting in the expansive grounds of an old Grade 2 Listed Manor House and with the watercourse being not a river or stream but a man made 18^th Century moat. 

The house was bought in a run down condition some years ago and sympathetically renovated. This was certainly a labour of love as adjoining buildings were at that time trading as a public house and childrens play-barn which detracted from what will have been tranquil surroundings. This use as more recently curtailed and buildings converted into houses. 

The project was undertaken by someone with an engineering background and aspirations as an eco-warrior. 

Perhaps with hindsight the process was carried out in the wrong order and possibly in ignorance of planning requirements in that a water wheel was acquired from architectural salvage and with works commenced to house it in a brick pillar surround and tiled roof on a platform in the middle of the moat. As the structure was in the grounds of a Listed Building it was a requirement for Planning Permission to be granted before works could begin and so the formal procedure had to be followed involving production of a document entitled " A Heritage and Planning Statement". 

The principle of utilising water for energy generation is thought to be one of the earliest technologies but if you want one in your garden in the 21st Century you still have to jump through a few hoops.

There are a number of Core Strategies within British Town Planning which can be cited in order to support the siting of a water wheel. 

PPS22 is for Renewable Energy and is where central government seeks to encourage decentralised or small scale schemes. 

Policy HQE8 seeks to reduce carbon emissions and make prudent use of natural resources, particularly water. 

The Regional Spatial Strategy also advocates that at least 10% of potential energy consumption should come from renewable or low carbon sources. 

The nuts and bolts of the water wheel project did have some complexities. 

The moat itself was largely static in nature and susceptible to stagnation and algae growth. This entailed the use of a small motor to provide the power to a water pump to extract water to start the wheel. It was anticipated that when fully operational the water wheel would generate enough electricity to power the Manor House and outbuildings. 

Presumably the cost of the motor would be more than offset by the savings from the power produced as the key determinant of viability and economic sense.

As an unexpected benefit the water wheel was expected to significantly improve the water quality of the green primordial soup of the moat by stirring it up a bit. 

The Planning Application was submitted in 2011 and met the Approval of the Local Authority. 

I must make a point of going to have a look one day, if I can be moativated.