Who: Sowton Mill

Where: Devon, South West

What: 1 in-stream Ossberger crossflow hydro electric turbine

Size: 16 kW

Makes: 100 MWh per year

Customer equivalents: 25 homes per year

Average equivalent saving: 43 tonnes of CO2 per year

THE SOWTON MILL STORY

Sowton Mill stands on the Teign river in Devon and has been using hydro power for over 400 years, initially to mill corn and then, from the 1950s, to generate electricity. In the eighties, the Ossberger crossflow turbine was installed a few yards further down river, increasing output fivefold. The water flow is now controlled automatically but in the early days, the owners were out in all weathers to man the sluice gates.

Sonia Newton manages the business side of the hydro generation and the five acres of gardens and orchards surrounding the mill that contain a great variety of flora. The gardens can be visited throughout the year or enjoyed from the old mill that is let for holidays. If you are interested in visiting the hydro scheme, the gardens or staying at the mill, call 01647 252263.