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Plans to make energy in Leeds-Liverpool canal
Plans to generate enough renewable energy to power 40,000 homes could see underwater hydro-electric turbines added to the Wigan stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
British Waterways has announced a 120m partnership with The Small Hydro Company to use its 2,200-mile waterway network to generate more environmentally friendly energy – and the famous Wigan Flight is believed to be a target for the plans.
The dramatic flight, which stretches from Ince to Top Lock and is one of the largest in the country, could help generate electricity by converting the energy created by the white water as it flows through its 23 locks.
Backed by Climate Change Capital's Ventus Fund, the national plan aims to generate 210,000 mega watt hours of renewable energy per year via 25 small-scale hydro-electricity schemes.
It is estimated the scheme could create 150 construction jobs across the country in the next five years and save an annual 110,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Any income generated by British Waterways through the scheme will be re-invested towards maintaining the nation's historic waterways.
British Waterways, which last year announced plans to build wind turbines with 100mw of generating capacity, hope to turn-on the first hydro-electric schemes next year. Energy and Climate Change Secretary,
Ed Miliband, said: "By committing to build small hydro power stations and wind turbines, British Waterways is playing an important role in generating renewable energy from the UK's natural resources.
"We want even more homes, communities, businesses and public sector organisations to take action and play their part in tackling climate change. The Renewables Obligation already supports renewable electricity generation and, from 2010, we'll be introducing a feed-in tariff which will reward projects like this with guaranteed cash
payments."
Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary, said: "Britain's waterways were the arteries of our economy, providing transport and power.
"This scheme shows how they can once again deliver real economic, social, and environmental benefits, especially in tackling and adapting to climate change."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
