Selset Reservoir hydro scheme unveiled

Selset Reservoir is north west of Barnard Castle

A hydro-electric power station is to be built at a County Durham reservoir, water company bosses have revealed.

Northumbrian Water said the station would be built at Selset Reservoir, near Barnard Castle as part of a project with energy firm npower.

Construction work on the £2.5m scheme is due to start later this year.

Northumbrian Water said the station would produce enough electricity for about 1,000 homes as well as feeding supplies into the national grid.

The scheme will add to the firm's larger hydro-electric plant at Kielder Water in Northumberland, which generates electricity for about 5,000 homes.

The water level of Selset reservoir which, when full, holds 15 billion litres will be lowered to facilitate safe working conditions during construction.

Dr Colin Price, Northumbrian Water's technical director, said: "This project is one of several energy generation schemes Northumbrian Water is currently developing.

He said: "We believe that creating renewable energy where we can is the responsible way forward for the business, our customers and the environment."