Congratulations to New England Hydropower Company (NEHC) for its big win in securing a $200,000 recoverable grant for its partner JAL Hydro through the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC). The grant will be used to evaluate the feasibility of developing a low-impact, run-of-the river hydropower project using NEHC’s Archimedes Screw Generators. NEHC has pioneered the introduction and acceptance of this proven technology in the United States, where it has been in commercial use in the United Kingdom and Europe for the past decade.
The feasibility study will support the development of a low-impact, fish friendly hydroelectric generation project at the Natick Pond Dam, located on the Pawtuxet River in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The project will use two Archimedes Screw Generators with a combined power output of 296 kW to generate an average annual 1,500, 000 kWh — enough electricity to supply approximately 80 households.
NEHC partnered with JAL on all aspects of the West Warwick Project, including the general activities REF funding will cover prior to construction. This encompasses (1) the development of information, proposed studies and site investigations required to support federal, state, and local licensing, and permitting; (2) preliminary design, structural engineering, and interconnection; (3) license and permit preparation; and (4) final engineering design.
“Rhode Island’s network of rivers and existing dams represent an opportunity to harness hydropower to generate clean electricity,”
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. “JAL Hydro is moving in a direction, we, as a state, want to go. Through Renewable Energy Funding, we can support hydropower and further utilize our natural resources.”
Michael Kerr, CEO of NEHC, said, “We are really pleased to be working with JAL Hydro on this first Archimedes Hydro Screw project in the U.S. We have a true partnership in all facets of the development.”
NSIV is proud to have New England Hydropower Company LLC as a member. For more information on NEHC, visit its website at www.hydropower.com.
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