The Irish Times reports that Donegal County Council has contracted a private company to install a hydro light on a footbridge over the River Finn in Ballybofey.
Once the water level drops the company, LH Ecotech in Co Laois, will install a micro hydro-turbine under the bridge. Water flowing downstream will pass through the 110 watt turbine and generate enough power to charge batteries. The power generated will run a 30 watt LED light on the bridge above.
LH Ecotech has been contracted by the council to supply and install hydro and solar power lights on the Ballybofey bridge.
Irish Times reports Echotech joint-owner Jaune Henby said two solar powered lights it had already installed in the bridge were working well, however the hydro light would be a first for the company.
He said the turbine would generate enough power to run three lights on the bridge, although only one will be used at first. A solar panel will also be fitted to the light as back-up for the summer period when the river’s water level would be too low.
The hydro unit cost EUR3,000 ($3,870). The council had provided EUR50,000 ($64,500) in 2008 to develop alternative energy lighting.
The council is trialing a number of technologies as part of a program for renewable and low energy lighting.
Donegal is a county located in the northwest of Ireland in the Province of Ulster.
