Harnessing the power of Dartmoor: Mary Tavy Hydro Electric Power Station

About

Come along to England's largest hydroelectric power station in daily use, which harnesses the power of Dartmoor's water, to create sustainable, renewable energy.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of western Dartmoor, the site remains fully operational, generating enough green energy to power around 5,000 homes each year.

Join us on one of our guided tours to explore the grounds, ask questions and witness the technology South West Water use to create renewable energy.

The guided tour will include a presentation and talk, and on completion, one of the leatsmen will show visitors some of the unusual items of plant and equipment at the site, used for maintaining the watercourses.

Still active today, the hydro-electric turbines were built in the 1930s by enterprising industrialists who recognised that the water resources and old mining sites in the area could be used for electricity production.

England's largest hydro-electric power station in daily use; Mary Tavy is now small compared with more recent plants built within the UK, yet provides a fascinating insight into how hydro-electric generation has developed over the decades.

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and site staff will be available to answer questions.

Members of the public are invited to attend guided tours on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September at 10am and 1.30pm, each lasting about 2 hours.