Question 1

How did the Bridge Hydro project start?

Accepted Answer

It all started (as all the best projects do) with a conversation between friends in a pub - The Two Brewers to be precise.  The team are all Marlow residents motivated to make a significant contribution to the Marlow community and are very aware of how special Marlow and the river is to both residents and visitors.

This is a not-for-profit scheme which will be designed for the community, in the community, by the community.

Question 2

Why is Marlow suitable for a hydro scheme?

Accepted Answer

The weir at Marlow has been assessed by technical experts as having an excellent flow and fall rate to produce reliable hydroelectricity throughout the year.

Question 3

Will the hydro scheme be visible and what will it look like?

Accepted Answer

As local residents, we understand the importance and the beauty of the bridge, church and adjacent areas. It is our intention to propose a design that minimises the visibility of the technology as much as possible. The scheme will lie predominantly under the water and not be visible from surrounding areas.

Question 4

What will happen to the energy generated?

Accepted Answer

We intend to sell the electricity to a single commercial user, in order to maximise the rates we can charge for the electricity.  This is recognised as best practice with other schemes already generating hydroelectric power from the Thames. Any surplus funds generated will be reinvested in sustainability related initiatives for the local community.

Question 5

Will I be able to get the power generated by the scheme to power my house?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is currently impracticable/ economically unviable to distribute power direct to consumers.  We intend to sell the power to a single commercial user at a rate that will allow us to generate surplus funds after running costs to reinvest in sustainability related initiatives for the local community.  This follows best practice from other hydroelectric schemes along the Thames.

Question 6

Where would the proposed scheme be located?

Accepted Answer

The proposed solution would be sited mostly under the water close to Marlow Weir and the river bank by the Compleat Angler, therefore the visual and audible impact will be minimal.

Question 7

Who will manage Bridge Hydro?

Accepted Answer

The scheme will be registered as a Community Benefit Society (CBS). The articles of the CBS will articulate how the scheme will be administered.  The development, commissioning and maintenance of the scheme will be governed by the CBS Executive on behalf of the members. It is envisaged that the investment of surplus funds will be administered by the elected members of a separate Community Investment Committee.

Question 8

Who is the team behind the Bridge Hydro project?

Accepted Answer

The founding members of the project are:

Rob Olney - Aviation Executive
Joe Middleton - Commercial Property Solicitor
Pete Barber - Strategic Communications 
Jeremy Evans - Chartered Architect & Town Planner
Vicki Scott - Stakeholder engagement
Luke Geeves - Chartered conservation architect
James Wild - Sustainable energy technology consultant

Question 9

Who else will be involved in the project?

Accepted Answer

The scheme will involve and work collaboratively with all appropriate stakeholders. As a team with ‘day jobs’ we will be limited by our capacity and would definitely welcome the offer of practical, intellectual (and moral!) support from any committed members of the community. Please get in touch if you fancy getting involved using the ‘contact us’ form.

Question 10

Who will ‘design’ the scheme?

Accepted Answer

The scheme will be complex and multifaceted. Each element of the project will require varying designs which will need to comply with regulations, be safe, and technically viable.  Various commercial entities will be approached to submit responses and designs for a formal tender for different parts of the scheme.

Question 11

When will the scheme be operational?

Accepted Answer

Due to the complexity of the scheme, we are not expecting the process to be speedy! The project will rely in large part on our ability to raise the funds required at the appropriate phases of the project.  It will also depend on the speed and ability of third parties to engage in the process and give the appropriate permissions, approvals and licences.  However, the construction and commissioning phases are not expected to take particularly long. From the moment the project is formally approved, it is hoped Bridge Hydro will be generating clean energy within 5 years.

Question 12

What are the intended benefits of a Hydro scheme for the communities of Marlow and Bisham?

Accepted Answer

The aim of the project is to generate surplus funds from the sale of the electricity generated by the hydro scheme and to create and sustain a ‘Sustainability initiatives community fund’. It is intended that this fund will be available to help finance further sustainable, community-based initiatives in Marlow and Bisham.

In addition, the aim of the project is that it will help Marlow play its part in contributing to the reduction of global GHG emissions by generating ‘clean’ energy from a constant, renewable source - the river Thames.

Question 13

How will surplus funds be generated from the hydro scheme?

Accepted Answer

Once completed and after any funds required for maintenance of the equipment, minimal running costs and provision is made for contingencies & through life costs, any remaining income from the sale of the hydroelectric power will be made available for investment in further sustainability initiatives for the benefit of the local community.

Frequently asked questions