The current iteration of Catrine Hydro was commissioned in 2016, reutilising two Gilkes Wallplate Francis turbines. These 1949 turbines use an historic water infrastructure, Catrine Voes, which formerly served an 18th century cotton mill in Catrine, Scotland. In addition to its role in clean electricity generation, the “voes” (believed to be a colloquial term for “reservoirs”) and near-by woodlands are also part of a local nature reserve; adding wider biodiversity benefits to this project.
Working in conjunction with Derwent Hydro Developments, Derwent Hydro is supporting the operator to increase energy capture from the site through holistic operational analysis and implementation of technical improvements. For example, DHPL has supplied and installed a bespoke control system to automate the intake gates. This improves efficient use of the available water and protects downstream areas from flooding.
Further to our optimisation work, DHPL provides regular servicing and reactive maintenance support to the operator. In this role we have been involved in regular inspection and reporting, control system repairs, and an emergency overhaul to the turbine guide vanes.
DHPL also provides administrative services for Catrine Hydro. This includes arranging competitive power purchase agreements, managing feed-in tariff claims, REGO transfers, and many other tasks. Our administrative work has helped to streamline and increase revenue streams for the operator.
Catrine Hydro is owned by Catrine Community Trust, a company with charitable status, and operated by Catrine Community Renewables. Profits donated to the Trust are used to benefit the local community.
This website is operated by Derwent Hydroelectric Power Ltd a company registered in England under company registration number 2227448 and whose registered office is situated at Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mills, 41 Derby Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England, DE4 3PY. and whose VAT number is 507741254.
© Derwent Hydroelectric Power Ltd