The Queen’s major renewable energy project is finally set to generate electricity, after news that Windsor Castle will power off hydroelectricity. Two 40 tonne Archimedes screws will be installed in the River Thames and the system will generate electricity for both the castle and 300 surrounding homes.

The £1.7 million hydroelectricity system has taken several years to launch after funding problems, but it’s expected to start operating in 2012. It’s yet another renewable energy venture for the Royal Family, who already use hydroelectricity in Scotland’s Balmoral.

The Prince of Wales also has independent renewable projects on his estate, with solar panels and wood chip boilers generating environmentally friendly heat and electricity.

The hydroelectricity system at Windsor is the largest renewable project so far for the Royals, who have made it clear they want to cut both their energy bills and their carbon footprint. Renewables achieve this by generating free power, and they don’t release carbon emissions like the fossil fuels of coal, gas and oil.

The Archimedes Screw was invented in Ancient Greece by mathematician and engineer Archimedes of Syracuse. Together, both screws will reduce carbon emissions by a mammoth 790,000 kilos every year.

The Queen’s renewable agenda is all part of a larger plan to cut the cost of the monarchy by 5%.

If you’re interested in renewable energy to help you reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions, there are many opportunities. The large scale screws that’ll power Windsor are very expensive, but smaller versions for domestic use are available too.

As well as hydroelectricity systems, you could install solar panels, geothermal systems, microwind turbines or biomass boilers. All of these use a renewable energy source to generate heat and electricity, which means free power for your home.

By installing renewable energy products you’ll be helping the environment and saving yourself hundreds of pounds every year.