The Archimedes Screws, which generate energy on Bedford’s River Great Ouse will be the subject of a talk by a local physicist hosted by Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum next week.
The two screws are located between Mill Meadows weir and the Butterfly Bridge, on what was a former boat slide from the river flowing along the Embankment to the lower flow on the other side of the island.
The hydropower project, which was installed 11 years ago by Bedford Borough Council, was controversial and some local critics voiced concerns that the energy scheme was not a sound financial decision in terms of ‘payback’ or that it was not in the right place.
Dr Will Rawes, who teaches courses on carbon and renewable energy at the Rothsay Education Centre, will now explain the science behind the project, the energy generated and the potential of hydropower.
They’ll also reveal how the scheme measures up and if it has been a success, also taking questions from the audience. Will and BCCF welcome questions from attendees at the end. Will also teaches courses on carbon and on renewable energy at the Rothsay Education Centre.
The online event, one of several local Great Big Green Week events is free of charge and open to all.
The talk starts at 7.30pm Monday evening, 12 June. Those wishing to attend need to register with Eventbrite up until 7pm that day in order to get the Zoom meeting link emailed to them.
There will later be a recording at the Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum’s Youtube channel.
