Power struggle

For it is now clear that this exercise in people power and clean energy production is causing deep divisions on Osney Island.

The idea of creating the first community-owned hydro-power turbine on the River Thames was the imaginative response of green-minded local people in West Oxford to the terrible flooding which threatened the area. The group’s ability to raise money and drive through their plans has been widely acclaimed.

But this week it is clear that even modest alternative energy initiatives must come at a price, whether we are talking energy from wind or water. Many residents, bracing themselves for weeks of disruption, are even more concerned about noise and an increased risk of flooding.

This comes after complaints from anglers about the lack of research about the impact of a micro hydro on the fish population. All these fears are totally unfounded, say the Osney Lock Hydro group.

But the immediate impact of the scheme on the local environment cannot be denied, and is already there for everyone to see with the felling of trees at Osney Lock.

The felling of the 60ft Himalayan Cedar, which stood guard over the lock, is the most significant loss, with precious few other evergreens at Osney. It was a good habitat for birds, and though an exotic plant, the vaporisation from the cascading water meant the tree simply flourished there.

What is going to replace it has also dampened some spirits on Osney Island, where residents will tell you that normally the most modest kitchen extension cannot be built without a planning struggle. It is clear that weather conditions can result in months passing without any energy being created at all.

But ironically, the hydro group has been driven by the desire to create something that shows what a community can achieve by working together — and the dear wish to show a clean energy project in action. One way or another, there are many lessons that should be learnt from this well-intentioned river plan.