Power flows

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
PLANS have been drawn up to build a hydroelectric power plant in Warburton to provide green energy for up to 100 homes.
Organisers want the project to create renewable energy and have the benefits flow back to the community by selling electricity into the grid to fund community developments.
They plan to tap into water from Ythan Creek and build the plant at the Warburton Golf Course.
An offshoot of the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, the Warburton Hydro group has spent the last 18 months quietly researching the feasibility of the project.
Warburton Hydro member Nick Killey said: “It not only exceeds the required minimum flows for energy generation but also features existing infrastructure, such as a reservoir and a weir which could expedite and value-add to the project.”
Mr Killey said the group was looking at Warburton’s history to local solutions for global environmental issues.
“Given the abundance of permanent watercourses around our town it will surprise no one that hydroelectricity was in practical and, of course, sustainable use in Warburton over many generations – right up to the 1980s,” he said.
UYCE executive officer and team member Geoff Vickers said hydro was an efficient means of generating power, offering a relatively small carbon footprint as well as economic benefits.
“Hydro appears to tick all the boxes for Warburton,” he said.
“Considering local terrain and water catchment, it’s appropriate technology, which makes use of an abundant, sustainable local resource.”
Mr Vickers said there was a range of technical research, including environmental impacts and consultations with stakeholders, which would occur before the group applied for approvals.
“It’s early days yet and our target is modest, around sixty kilowatts – enough power for up to 100 homes, but the feasibility looks very promising,” he said.
“The most important stakeholder is our community… we envisage that when the time comes Warburton Hydro will be owned and managed by local people, with benefits flowing to the community.”
The Warburton Hydro team had a visit in June from Tasmanian farmer Nigel Tomlin and former Hydro Tasmania engineer Martin Grose. Mr Tomlin built a green energy efficient mini-hydro generator that now powers his entire town, and the men donated their time and expertise to helping the Warburton Hydro team.
Mr Grose said creating power where it was needed eliminated the cost of transporting it.
“It’s not extracting the water, it’s using the pressure to drive the turbine,” he said.
“This is a community project with tourism in mind.”
The Warburton Hydro team is now looking for technical support from environmental specialists to help take the project to the next level.
They need to determine how much water can be sustainably diverted from the creek and gain planning approval through a number of studies in the area.
Mr Killey said as the project was limited in funding during the early stages, the team would appreciate input from experienced consultants.
“We’re hoping to find some like-minded enthusiasts who can assist us by providing their time and expertise at a pro bono or discounted rate,” he said.
For anyone interested in lending their expertise to Warburton’s Hydro project, contact Daniel A’Vard on 0420 819 530 or find out more at www.upperyarra.net.au