The power of water makes Singraven energy-neutral

The screw turbine functions as a small hydroelectric power station. It is being built in the Dinkel and is unique in the Netherlands. The electric power is extracted from the waterfall at the weir. The idea is to build a kind of concrete trench behind the weir, as seen from the terrace on the other side of the road. The screw turbine will be placed into this. The screw turbine consists of a large screw that converts the energy of falling water into a rotating movement. The rotating axis is connected to a generator for power generation. The fish-friendly screw in the concrete trench will be concealed in the landscape.

The water in the Dinkel on the estate has a considerable height difference, hence the watermill. The mill on the Singraven estate works on hydropower, and it powers the saw and corn mills. The watermill with three wheels was used for years. 

The new screw turbine is expected to last for up to 40 years. The efficiency will not decrease, as is the case in solar panels. Another advantage is that there is enough water to provide continuous electricity in the dark winter months. And in summer, when there is less water, less electricity is needed.

Coöperatie Duurzaam Singraven was founded recently. The members of the local energy cooperative are residents, tenants and leaseholders of the Singraven estate. The landowner, the Edwina van Heek foundation, is represented on the board and is also a member of the energy cooperative. The idea of generating electricity on the estate had been around for some time. Nevertheless, it still took a long time before the concept was converted into a concrete plan. Many conversations were needed between parties such as the Cultural Heritage Agency, the province, the municipality, the contractor, the screw builder and the landowner. Fundraising and financially calculating and testing the plan on its feasibility also took time. The plan got the go-ahead when it became clear that the investment and operation were feasible and profitable.

The estate has a farm and a horticultural business. Complete sustainability is at the basis of their work. The Koekkoek partnership’s dairy farm and the De Witte Raaf estate horticultural business are both biological companies. The estate is a protected environment, so solar panels and windmills may not be used. Because of that, the screw turbine is a wonderful initiative for generating sustainable electricity. The new homes that are currently being built on the estate will be energy neutral. Everyone is very enthusiastic.