Through its Hydroelectric system, the Town Mill has generated electricity on-site since 2013 when this historic mill was identified as the perfect place to serve a modern purpose by producing green energy. We are now pleased to announce the completion of a significant project to improve the mill’s ageing hydroelectric plant, keeping it fit and efficient for the future.
This project is part of our wider regeneration plan for the site, which includes an extension of our commitment to sustainable and renewable energy.
The ambitious improvements to the Hydroelectric Unit have included the installation of a larger “intake” unit, which will result in a greater flow of water into the hydro’s turbine. This will increase the generation of electricity both for use in the mill and for exporting back to the National Grid, generating valuable income for the mill.
Most importantly, the work includes an innovative system designed and implemented by UK based specialists, Go Flo Screen Ltd which will automatically detect and remove leaves and other debris that flow down the mill leat and block the water intake to the hydro, reducing - and on many occasions in winter - preventing electricity from being generated.
Part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Low Carbon Dorset, as well as The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project could not have been achieved without our sponsors' support.
Low Carbon Dorset was set up by Dorset Council and is part-funded by the UK Government. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides local investment aimed at improving amongst other things, pride in place as well as supporting local business, people and skills
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK's Heritage of which the Town Mill Regeneration project is just one example.
As well as expressing our appreciation to Low Carbon Dorset, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to move forward with these complex renewable energy projects, which are part of the initiatives and improvements that form part of the current Town Mill Regeneration project.
This is aimed at making our heritage site more efficient and accessible for a modern world and making our operations more sustainable, by improving our low carbon credentials, thereby helping us to address and contribute to broader climate change challenges.
These works to the Hydro project are the second recent renewable energy initiative at Town Mill, and complement the installation of a series of photovoltaic panels on the rear roof of the Town Mill’s Malthouse Gallery, that have been generating electricity for the building since September 2024. These we also funded by Low Carbon Dorset and the National Lottery Heritage Fund
