A PROJECT to use the River Tavy in Tavistock to provide electricity via a micro power station was last week rejected during a meeting in the town. Members of the town council's properties committee heard a fact-finding meeting had taken place between councillors and experts to investigate the idea of harnessing water power in the town centre, and using it to run river lights, churchyard lights and the lighting of Drake Statue. The idea had been suggested by town mayor Cllr Caroline Keane in an effort to make more use of green energy sources. But last week Cllr Robin Pike told members that due to a combination of factors, a micro-power station would not be feasible in Tavistock. Cllr Pike said the Environment Agency would not agree to such a scheme as salmon swimming up river rested under the bridge. The water at Abbey Weir flowed too quickly when the river was in spate and during times of drought, there was not enough water to produce power. However, the river did provide power in some areas — the plant at Mary Tavy produced 2600kw per day for the Tavistock area while Morwellham, which was around 85% efficient, produced 640 kw per day and fed the Bere Peninsula. Together, Mary Tavy and Morwellham produced 8 million kw hours per annum, said Cllr Pike. 'We do quite well from the Tavy really, in effect, locally we are doing our part, but the suggestion for a micro hydro scheme in Tavistock is a no-go,' said Cllr Pike. The committee agreed the council should proceed no further with the scheme but that the situation be reviewed from time to time.
