A PIONEERING project to create renewable energy, cut pollution and give something back to the community has taken a major step forward.

The Esk Valley Community Energy Group, on the North York Moors, is planning a scheme that could provide power for 600 homes and displace 860 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

The group is promoting small-scale hydro power schemes on the River Esk and its tributaries - the first project of its kind to be promoted by a community organisation.

A survey commissioned by the group has identified six sites where commercially viable projects could be placed.

The aim is to meet a significant part of the valley's energy needs with minimal impact on the landscape -a key consideration for a National Park location.

A similar community project looking at small wind turbines is also under way, with windspeeds in the area being monitored.

The chairman of the group, Colin Mather, said yesterday: "We have made significant progress over the past year in assisting local households in reducing their own carbon footprints through energy efficiency and micro- generation.

"This project, to install hydro-electric turbines on the River Esk, provides the opportunity for us to take that work to a new level by developing local renewable power generation on a scale which will make a significant contribution to meeting our own energy needs as a community."

The park's renewable energy officer, Peter Jones, said: "The group is pushing the boundaries of community-owned energy development. Their determination and commitment is driving forward solutions, which will make a significant contribution towards meeting the National Park's commitment to reducing carbon emissions."

Small-scale hydro-power schemes cost £30,000 to £250,000 depending on their size, and would be financed through grants, local landowners and other sources.

Some of the possibilities identified along the Esk could pay for themselves within only a few years. A public meeting will be held at Danby village hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 27, when David Mann, of Mann Power, who undertook the survey on behalf of the group, will present the findings.