Last updated at 09:45, Friday, 12 March 2010

AS you report (Courant, March 5), communities all along the Tyne are investigating the potential for hydro-electricity. It is brilliant example of collaborative community action to bring forward the low-carbon economy that is essential for the 21st century.

Water force: The dam at Kielder Reservoir is the source of hydro-electric power.

Besides generating reliable renewable power, these turbines will bring income for many further developments. Furthermore, weirs will assist flood control, constrain bank erosion, create new recreational possibilities and enhance fishery welfare. Everybody wins.

The Haydon Bridge Development Trust has recommended pumped storage be considered which has attracted interest. This is a means of storing power when demand is low or production high (as with intermittent sources such as sun, wind or tides).

Surplus power pumps water to lakes high on hillsides or moors and, when the demand exceeds supply, the water is released through turbines to the river below, generating power as it goes.

The future for the economy in this area is stunning if the right policies are followed. We can grow the food and energy that we need for national food and energy security. We can harvest and store renewable power. We are the answer to the most pressing national problems.

What a pity that the conventional political parties are scornful of food and energy security and lukewarm at best about renewable energy.

STEVEN FORD,

Independent Prospective ParliamentaryCandidate,

Hexham

First published at 09:43, Friday, 12 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk