From Cuba to Congleton, CT Construction LTD were employed to construct a new non-profit community micro-hydro scheme adjacent to the existing Havannah weir on the River Dane in Congleton.

The community hydroelectric scheme was developed to reduce CO2 emissions within Congleton and Cheshire East by creating 260,000kWh of electricity which is sufficient to power 60 homes; and to generate £100,000 for local projects whilst increasing awareness of environmental issues by provision of an accessible educational resource for local schools and colleges. In addition, a partnership with Eaton Bank Academy and other local primary schools allowed us to provide an educational plan devised to assist with a range of modules enabling students to learn about “Green Energy” within the natural environment focusing on biodiversity, sustainability, woodland, and environment management and how STEM underpins the Hydro Scheme.

The educational programme was further extended to the local community, and enabled escorted and trained volunteers, to help construct a Boardwalk giving the local community access to the site boundaries and surrounding woodlands throughout the duration of the works. Thus, enabling them to view the project throughout its entirety once the existing gully had been filled with material from a local quarry which was delivered via the local farming community giving easy access into the gully. Furthermore, by enabling volunteers to get involved with the project, we were able to offer local citizens with mental and physical gains, increased confidence, and the opportunity to meet new people, get involved within community activities and the ability to learn new skills.

During the construction phase of the Archimedes Screw the funds raised by the local community diminished due to excess spend by the client on M&E elements thus ultimately leaving the project with a shortfall of finances to complete the construction works, therefore at CT Construction LTD we opted to buy a proportion of shares to enable the completion of the works. Then once the micro-hydro was commissioned, and when it was generating a revenue, Dane Valley Community Hydro Group could buy back our shares to become majority shareholders once again, and local organisations will be able to apply for grants to help maximise community benefit and increase Congleton’s sustainability.