A new hydro scheme has been unveiled for the historic Pollok House in Glasgow.

It is thought Sustainable Glasgow are behind the proposals and are currently drawing up plans to develop a micro hydro electric project in Pollok Country Park. The initiative would generate sustainable energy by harnessing the power of the White Cart river.

A feasibility study has already been carried out and found that a micro hydro scheme would be possible beside a former sawmill in the area. The 19th Century building originally had a wooden water wheel to drive equipment such as bench saws and lathes. This was later replaced with turbines which generated electricity for Pollok House.

According to reports, one option for the new scheme is to connect it to the neighbouring Pollok House – which is owned by Glasgow City Council and leased to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) on a long-term basis. Following discussions, if the proposal was to go ahead, a wildlife habitat survey would be conducted along the proposed connection route. Elsewhere, the installation of turbines and connection to Pollok House would cost around £250,000.

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If it is not approved to connect the scheme to Pollock House, a second option would be to connect the system to the national grid, and generate income for the council.

Depending on the success of the scheme, an additional study could be commissioned in 2019 regarding the possibility of extending it to connect to the Burrell Collection. The Burrell Collection is an art collection in Glasgow city. Situated in Pollok Country Park, the museum is scheduled to close later this year for a major five-year refurbishment project. It has an anticipated reopening date of 2020.

Councillor Alistair Watson, Executive Member for Sustainability & Transport, explained: "Harnessing the power of rivers to generate clean, sustainable energy is an exciting proposition for the city and this project is actually going back to the future, as tools in the sawmill were originally powered by a water wheel.

"The beauty of this type of scheme is that it can be done in harmony with the natural environment. We are testing the water with this micro scheme and if successful, it could inspire more, larger scale hydro projects in the future.

"Sustainable Glasgow is adopting a wide range of energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives. Locally produced energy is key to improving the city's resilience, as buildings are not dependent on the national grid.

"Sustainable and renewable energy projects also help reduce our carbon emissions as well as providing affordable heat and power for businesses and residents."

(JP/MH)