Hydro Power
What is it?
Hydro power technologies harness water’s energy and use simple
mechanics to convert that potential energy into
electricity. It is the equivalent of a water wheel. Hydro
power is a mature and proven technology and it is perhaps the
oldest method of harnessing renewable energy. Micro hydro, also
sometimes known as mini hydro is used for hydroelectric power
installations that typically produce up to 100kW of power, and is
suitable for homes or small communities.
How does it work?
Hydro power technologies harness water’s energy and use simple
mechanics to convert that potential energy into
electricity. It is the equivalent of a water wheel. Hydro
power is a mature and proven technology and it is perhaps the
oldest method of harnessing renewable energy. Micro hydro, also
sometimes known as mini hydro is used for hydroelectric power
installations that typically produce up to 100kW of power, and is
suitable for homes or small communities.
Is it suitable?
- You’ll need a fast flowing river or stream near your property/
the electricity demand to be served.
- A back up power system will be needed if the water flow
diminishes or dries up.
- Early consultation with your Local Authority is recommended as
planning permission will have to be granted.
- The Environment Agency also has to agree to the scheme and
provide a licence.
- An annual service will be necessary (usually undertaken during
the summer when the plant is likely to be generating less due to
lower water levels).
- Hydro power can be captured wherever a flow of water falls from
a higher level to a lower level. This may occur where a stream
runs down a hillside, or a river passes over a waterfall, or a
man-made weir, or where a reservoir discharges water back into the
main river.
- The vertical fall of the water, known as the head, is essential
for hydro power generation; fast flowing water on its own does not
contain sufficient energy for useful power production. Hence
you need a Flow Rate of water and ‘head’ for hydro power – it is
generally better to have more ‘head’ than ‘flow’, since this keeps
the equipment operating efficiently.
What are the benefits?
- Small scale hydro schemes tend to have long lifetimes.
- Maintenance costs are usually low, and regular maintenance is
restricted to tasks such as ensuring the intake ‘trash rack’ is
clean of debris, and greasing parts of the generating
equipment.
- Hydro electricity is green, renewable energy and doesn’t
release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants.
- Reduces the cost of your electricity bills, as electricity is
free to use during generation periods.
- Hydro systems can be expensive, but in many cases installation
is less costly than getting a connection to the National Grid.
- A hydro system may generate more electricity than you need for
lighting and powering your home appliances, so you can use the
excess to export to the Grid or heat your home and hot water
too.
- Systems installed by an accredited contractor (MCS approved)
can earn you money from the Government’s Feed in Tariff Scheme (FITs).
Contact Us
Climate Change Officer
Property, Leisure and Waste Management
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
Email: energy@dover.gov.uk
