Energy Saving Trust channels
Top shortcut links
Main navigation starts here
You are here:
Old water mills, some of which have not been used since the 11th century, are being converted to produce green energy, it has been reported.
The Guardian says that groups are forming up and down the country intent on transforming the old mills to help in the battle against climate change.
Speaking to the newspaper, Anthony Battersby, who has spent £450,000 on work to convert Tellisford Mill on the river Frome, said: "There are a number of hydropower groups that have become established in the country and we're all in the process of installing micro hydropower to generate electricity."
He added: "The Domesday Book has in it about 5,600 mill sites, one of which is ours. Water has been harnessed as a source of energy here for over a thousand years."
Mr Battersby suggests there is huge potential for the water mills to start producing large amounts of renewable energy in years to come.
In recent decades, water mills have largely been seen as a tourist attraction although some remain in operation for uses such as grinding corn.
Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy
For regular email updates please submit your email address below.
Call 0800 512 012 for free, independent and local energy saving advice
Click here to request a call back from your local advice centre.
Latest News