Farron calls on SLDC to lead hydro power agenda in Cumbria

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on South Lakeland District council to be 'green leaders' in hydro and lead by example.

A recent government announcement means that Local councils will be allowed to sell renewable electricity to the National Grid, with the energy secretary, Chris Huhne, urging them to position themselves at the forefront of a power revolution. Huhne has lifted a ban on the sale of surplus electricity to the grid by councils, which say the scheme could raise £100m a year for cash-strapped local authorities in England and Wales.

At present only 0.01% of electricity in England is generated by local authority-owned renewables. In Germany the equivalent figure is 100 times higher.

The new change would allow South Lakeland to build their own renewable schemes or become partners in existing schemes.

Commenting, South Lakes MP Tim said:

Despite the fact that Cumbria has Britain's fastest flowing water ways, there are only 6 working hydro schemes in the entire county. I want to change that and build upon our proud history of producing energy from water here. I think South Lakeland District council could commit to a bold plan for green energy in the South Lakes and even build some schemes too!

Its time for the talking to stop and for real action to bring a hydro renaissance to Cumbria to create well paid jobs and safeguard our environment."