Theatre Could Be Powered by River

Hertford Theatre could have all of it's electricity needs met by a new hydroelectrc plant if plans are approved by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday 22nd May.

Plans for the £250,000 micro hydro plant at the weir next to the theatre were first tabled in 2010, but have been on hold due to difficulties getting consent from the Environment Agency. 

However, councillors are set to revitalise the plans following the confirmation of operational protocols for new automated weir gates and the development of a project to develop fish and eel passes at several sites on the River Lea in East Herts.

Whilst the project would provide 40% of the overall power needs of the theatre, this could rise to 100% during the daytime .

The cost savings achieved by the project and associated feed-in tarifs mean that the plant could pay for itself in 12-13 years.

If councillors agree to progress the plan, and subject to a fish/eel feasability study and flood modelling by the EA, construction could begin in October with completion by May 2019.