Water power: Part of the flooding solution in Inverclyde

SNP councillors, led by Chris Curley, a civil engineer, are putting forward proposals to breathe life back into the existing structure.

(Image: George Munro)

Councillor Curley says the aim is to convert excess rainfall into power and at the same time mitigate any further flooding by making it part of the solution instead of the problem.

He told the Telegraph: "I raised it as part of the Net Zero proposals, and officers confirmed that they would investigate water power in fulfilling our commitment to net zero.

"Inverclyde Council owns the infrastructure and if we could reuse it, a small investment is all it would take to bring it back to a water power scheme.

"Officers are looking at it and have suggested looking at some of the smaller water power opportunities as pilot schemes."

These smaller schemes could include Whinhill, via the Cartsburn and Coves reservoirs.

Councillor Curley said: "Whinhill has the a facility to generate power for Lomond Academy. The Coves reservoirs could also generate power for Clydeview Academy."

As far as the project at the Cut is concerned, he is proposing a feasibility study as a first step for such a scheme to provide power and additional water management.

It follows on from discussions at recent meetings of the council's environment and regeneration committee.

He said: "At present we have to sustain this asset, which is a drain on the purse.

"But bringing it back to its original use means it can will be self-sustaining and in time may will help to create further facilities at The Cut and in Clyde Murshiel Park.

"I understand that this infrastructure, except for the long dam, is currently in the ownership of Inverclyde Council. Returning this infrastructure to its original use as well as providing power, contributing to net zero, would also reduce the liabilities occurred in ownership, as and maintenance costs can be offset against income.

"In addition, utilising the water in this way would also reduce flooding as it would effectively be running at full capacity at periods of high flooding risk so to diverting water from the existing water courses."

"The proposed system would include a pipeline running from Overton/Long Dam to the bottom of Bakers Street utilising the Puggy line route (which would also include active travel path) and ground in IC ownership along Baker Street. Some additional land would need to be purchased.

“In 2027 the Cut celebrates 200 years. What better means of celebrating it than showing that it can be part of our future as well?"

Ward councillor Pam Armstrong says that 'renewable energy' is a buzzword these days and that Inverclyde already has what it needs to join in the drive towards net zero.

She said "Everyone gets excited about new technology, but we've got this on our doorstep.

"Bringing the Cut back into use could be transformational, not only for the ward but the whole of Inverclyde.

"There is such a focus on renewables; here's one we made earlier."

Councillor James Daisley added: "I have a vested interest as the Cut passes through my ward. I walk the Cut regularly and to see plans for a modern day use excites me."

Councillor John Crowther, who is also backing the scheme, says the Cut was part of his childhood.

He said: "The scheme was proposed by Robert Thom back in 1824 and the cut opened in 1827 including the long dam and Eastern Line of falls' which generated power for a number of industries and it can be done again."

The plan has also attracted interest from the Inverclyde Energy Futures (IEF) group, which is supported by Creative Carbon Scotland.

Port Glasgow resident Ian Parsons, who is a member of the IEF group, said: "Devol Glen flooded last year. I believe that better use could be made of the excess water to allow better access to the countryside."

Ian is working with Scottish Water and community groups in a bid to manage the water resource in the area better.

He said: "I think power generation could be part of the solution in winter."