Sandford Hydro gets an upgrade
Upgrades to our pioneering Sandford Hydro installation have increased its generation by over 17% in 2024/25.
To address reduced generation during periods of low river flow when the screws cannot operate, we have covered the whole south-facing part of the plant in solar PV panels. This ensures the site can generate clean energy even when water levels are too low.
Another major improvement tackled the issue of algae build up on the turbine screws, which reduces generation capacity by creating drag on the blades, previously requiring difficult cleaning each summer. Since algae needs sunlight to grow, we have covered the turbine blades themselves with solar PV panels, both blocking light passage for algae growth and adding to overall generation capacity at the site.
We have also constructed an entirely new plant room, complete with PV-panneled roof, to improve conditions for the equipment as well as deliver improved system reliability.
Together, these upgrades make Sandford Hydro much more resilient to changing weather patterns, and increase the clean energy output of the site.
