A DARTMOOR hydro-energy plant ? the largest of it?s kind in England ? has had it?s long-term future secured, thanks to an £850,000 renovation project.
The refurbishment is being carried out to all eight of the water turbines at Mary Tavy and Morwellham power stations, which have been in operation for more than seventy years.
The project, which began last October, has been commercially funded by South West Water, and will secure the long term future for renewable energy generation in the South West.
The six turbines at Mary Tavy generate enough electricity to supply 5,000 homes - enough energy to power the whole of Tavistock.
The hydro energy produced, some eight million kilowatt hours, gives an annual saving in emissions from fossil fuels of 6,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 64 tonnes of sulphur oxides and more than 20 tonnes of nitrogen oxides, gasses that are considered to have a major effect on climatic change.
The project involves modernising and upgrading mechanical and electrical components which will ensure the successful automatic operation of the plant for many years.
Steve Cryer, South West Water?s hydro manager, said: ?South West Water is completely committed to actively developing environmentally friendly hydro-energy resources.
?The company is delighted to be able to reduce fossil fuel emissions and safeguard the region?s green energy supplies.?
Green energy is currently generated through hydro at a number of South West Water sites, including Roadford lake and Meldon dam.