Hydropower plant at an interchange in Manchester (TfGM)

To supplement the energy requirements of the new Rochdale Interchange, TfGM developed the Hydro Electric Power (HEP) scheme. This site became Europe’s first public transport interchange to be powered by hydropower and makes the investment highly innovative.

The hydroelectric turbine converts energy from the river as it flows rapidly through a weir. The turbine is driven by an ‘Archimedean screw’, driven by the weight of the water to generate electricity. The hydroelectric turbine is predicted to produce up to 86,000 kWh of electricity every year, which will help to reduce the interchange’s carbon footprint by over a quarter. To address broader biodiversity concerns, a fish pass has been incorporated into the design. This allows the fish to travel down the screw without being harmed.

HYDROPOWER PLANT AT AN INTERCHANGE IN MANCHESTER (TFGM)   HYDROPOWER PLANT AT AN INTERCHANGE IN MANCHESTER (TFGM)
 
Technical data

Max flow rate

1890 l/s

Diameter

2100 mm

No of flights

3

Angle of inclination

22 degrees

Head

1.5m

Peak power output

21.1 kw

Screw efficiency

84%

Overall efficiency

74%


Investment sheet: TFGM hydroelectric power