The energy company npower has pulled out of
a £1 million plan for a hydroelectric plant
on the Thames to supply electricity for
Windsor Castle, which would have boosted the
Queen's green credentials.
The company has decided that the 300kW
project is too expensive. Planning
permission was granted last year with
construction due to start next year. The
plant on Romney Island, a few hundred yards
from the castle, would have had four
turbines. The project was being developed
with the Environment Agency, which will now
seek another partner.
A statement by npower said: “There are
still significant challenges in making this
project a viable asset within npower
renewables' rapidly expanding portfolio.
Following a significant amount of detailed
consideration, npower renewables has taken
the decision that it will no longer continue
developing this hydro scheme.” Simon Holt,
head of implementation, said that the
company remained committed to hydroelectric
power.
