Hydropower Potential at Watermill Sites in Haute-Vienne
Over the past few months, SEHV has been actively involved in assessing the feasibility of small hydropower projects in the Haute-Vienne area.
By supporting the State government at the departmental level during several visits to local dam sites, SEHV could evaluate the potential for installing turbines and to discuss the associated challenges with local owners.
In July, SEHV visited a small rural lake primarily used for fishing and recreational activities, (including a nearby campsite). During the visit they discussed the possibility of installing a hydropower turbine to provide clean energy for the local community, balancing the lake's current uses with the potential to harness renewable energy.
A second visit was made to the Got Mill, a historic site that had already been explored by RENEWAT partners during the project’s kick-off meeting. The mill has recently undergone significant modernization, with its old wooden wheel being replaced by a new metal one. After this renovation, the next step could be adding hydropower capabilities to provide electricity to the museum.
The most recent visit took place in early September, when SEHV visited another site, which is private fishing lake that attracts visitors from around the world. As part of the DDT pilot project, this visit aimed to assess the feasibility of installing a hydropower system. The site is notable for its rich history, with remnants of two mills (one for flour production and the other for wool processing) still visible. The discussions with the current owner focused on the challenges and opportunities of integrating hydropower production while preserving the site’s historical significance and recreational value.
These site visits serve to evaluate the potential for small-scale hydropower in the Haute-Vienne area. By collaborating with local stakeholders and modernizing historical watermill infrastructure, SEHV aims to unlock this new renewable energy source, while preserving the region's rich cultural heritage.