Over the last 6 months Carmet have been assisting Czech Company Hydropol on the River Weaver near Dutton Locks
Over the last 6 months Carmet have been assisting Czech Company Hydropol on the River Weaver near Dutton Locks. The HEP Project consisted of installing a small hydroelectric plant adjacent to the sluice gate on the southern bank of the River Weaver. The hydropower scheme has a Total Installed Capacity of 200kW, generating approximately 900MWh/Yr of renewable energy, saving 514 tonnes of CO2 per year.
As Dutton Locks is located on a small island there was no suitable road access for machinery which was required for the project. This included a 35t excavator, 65t crawler crane, 100t mobile crane and the Archimedes screw for a new hydroelectric power plant.
The River Weaver can be accessed from the Manchester Ship Canal through Marsh Lock, however the width restrictions for the locks meant that a suitable barge would need to be road transported to site. Carmet worked closely with Volker Marine Services and Harlyn Solutions to provide a Linkflote Pontoon solution to move equipment from Acton Bridge to the worksite at Dutton.
The workboats were still able to mobilise from Eastham. During different stages of the project the Fossor and Vital both attended site to move the pontoons to and from Dutton Locks. Only in February when Sutton Swing Bridge was under repair was there a requirement for a road transportable workboat solution. During this period the Vikki and Williams Shipping’s Wilwren were mobilised to site.
The team faced some other difficult challenges throughout the project, including storms Dudley and Eunice, in February. However, the experience and professionalism from all parties ensured the works were delivered safely.
For more information on similar projects Carmet can assist with contact us on 0151 327 8018 or email joshua@carmet.co.uk. Carmet have a 14.5m road transposable workboat equipped with a Hiab crane and deck winch.