Plans for a new Powys dam which will power 40 homes have been given the green light by the council.

Powys County Council has approved plans for a new turbine at the site of a weir near Machynlleth which would power more than 40 homes every year.

The new 34 kilowatt micro-hydro scheme at Ty Mawr, near Mallwyd, could produce an estimated 124,000 kWh (units) of electricity per year "sufficient for 43 average UK homes and a 26-tonne reduction of carbon dioxide emissions annually".

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Concerns were raised about potential issues during the building process by Powys County Council’s highways department such as Rhiw-based Greenearth Hydro Limited, who are building the turbine, were allegedly “cherry picking” information.  

However, in the decision of the planning officer they found: “Powys County Council Highways have also commented on the additional information, and whilst they have noted that information requested has not been forthcoming in totality, they consider that it is sufficient to allow for a host of conditions to be placed upon any granting of consent.

“The Local Planning Authority however note that the construction period is relatively short, at an estimated four months (which will include gaps as different components become ready to be delivered), and will not require an excessive amount of vehicular movements above and beyond that already associated with the farming enterprise run from the site.

“It is also noted that the maintenance after construction will be minimal.”

Greenearth Hydro Limited previously said that the purpose of the development is to produce renewable electricity for Ty Mawr Farm and then export to the National Grid.

"A micro-hydro turbine (two jet turgo type, stainless steel housing with stainless steel runner) will be housed in the powerhouse and be direct coupled to a 34kW eight pole induction generator," the company said.

“A grid connect controller will be housed inside the powerhouse on the wall with switch gear and a total generation meter for monitoring the energy output from the generator.

“The turbine will have two water jets which will be connected to a steel manifold which in turn will be coupled to the plastic penstock where it enters the powerhouse.”