The financial year just ended (31 March 2026) proved a challenging one for hydro generation. The dry spring of 2025 meant we stopped generating on 26 April and the hydro did not come back on until 11 November. High river levels during the winter also led to periods of low or no generation in December and from mid-Jan through February. Total output for the year was just over 71 MWh, making this our worst year since we began operating. In 2024–25 we had an above-average year with output at close to 178 MWh.

Our solar arrays at the King’s Centre, Aldi and Matthew Arnold School, plus the panels at the hydro site, benefited from the extensive sunshine, generating 128 MWh compared to 125.7 MWh in the previous year.

Increased unpredictability in our weather as a result of climate change is affecting our output year to year. The green energy we produce helps cut UK carbon emissions, thereby contributing to reducing global warming.