Applications for the Congleton Hydro Community Share Offer scheme expire TODAY!!

Dane Valley Community Energy is planning to install and operate a hydro-electric generation plant on the River Dane at Havannah Weir, Congleton.

Before the Coronavirus outbreak, the Share Offer scheme deadline was originally set for today (31st March).

As of 15th April, £559,000 had been raised of the £730,000 target.

However, the Congleton Hydro team posted on their Facebook page today (17th April): "Looks like we have had a number of last-minute share applications!

"Thanks for all your support, you still have today to make them final share applications."

The team also stated that they hope to give the community a full update on Monday with a final total raised.

In addition to the funds directly received in response to the Share Offer scheme, Congleton Hydro have been in discussions with The Community Shares Booster Programme.

This is part of the Lottery Funded "Power to Change" initiative that helps organisations looking to support and enhance their local communities.

It aims to "Share Match" local community shares up to a max of £100,000.

Whilst £730,000 is the full cost of the scheme, some of these costs are back end loaded and if the group reaches £650,000, they are confident they will be able to start the work programme.

As mentioned in a previous story whilst the main cluster of investors continues to be centred around Congleton and its surrounding areas, this innovative and exciting project continues to receive investments from all parts of the UK.

The weir, which has been in place for more than 250 years, will be re-used to generate energy from rainwater – making clean, renewable power that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Siemens Digital Industries, a major business in Congleton, has agreed to purchase the green electricity generated from the plant, helping to combat the climate emergency.

The minimum donation people can make to the project is £100, with the maximum being £70,000.

You can invest now by filling in the share energy application form.