Hydro electric power produces one fifth of the world’s electricity and this percentage is much higher in many developing countries. Hydro electric power systems work by converting potential energy stored in water held at height into kinetic energy to turn a turbine in order to produce electricity. This is a mature technology with water mills already extensively used by the time of the industrial revolution.
There are a number of main components to a modern hydro electric power system. The intake of water is often incorporated into a weir to divert the water flow from its course. A penstock pipe then takes the water from the intake to the turbine. This is in a powerhouse where a turbine and generator convert the power of the water to electricity. An outflow then releases the water back to the watercourse and underground or overhead cables transmit the electricity to the property or national grid.
Hydro electric power systems can be built on a large or small scale with useful power available even from small streams. It is important, however, to get good quality advice with a resource assessment best carried out by a micro-hydro consultant if you are interested in looking into a small scale hydro electric power system. For more information on micro hydro power, sometimes known as mini hydro power, visit our micro hydro power page.
The cost of a small scale system is difficult to estimate without taking all factors into consideration, but a typical 5KW domestic system may cost in the region of £20,000 to £25,000. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme does, however, offer grants to householders of up to £1000 per KW installed up to a maximum of £2500 or 30% of the total installed cost.
For more information on hydro electric power, including information on hydro electric power installations in the UK, visit the British Hydro Power Association
Details of grants are available at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
