Plug pulled on 'green' electricity for the Queen

The Times
March 2, 2009

The energy company npower has pulled out of a £1 million plan for a hydroelectric plant on the Thames to supply electricity for Windsor Castle, which would have boosted the Queen's green credentials.
The company has decided that the 300kW project is too expensive. Planning permission was granted last year with construction due to start next year. The plant on Romney Island, a few hundred yards from the castle, would have had four turbines. The project was being developed with the Environment Agency, which will now seek another partner.
A statement by npower said: “There are still significant challenges in making this project a viable asset within npower renewables' rapidly expanding portfolio. Following a significant amount of detailed consideration, npower renewables has taken the decision that it will no longer continue developing this hydro scheme.” Simon Holt, head of implementation, said that the company remained committed to hydroelectric power.