Energy from the Movement of Water
The production of energy via hydrology is perhaps the oldest form of harnessing renewable energy. Water wheels were used several thousand years ago and the method progressed substantially with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. In simple terms, the movement of water into kinetic energy creates modern hydroelectric power.
To produce hydroelectric power it is necessary to utilise the movement of significant amounts of water. Therefore, one would need to utilise a stream or weir. This requirement can prove problematic for many people, however, providing there is a hydro source relatively close by, it would be possible to set up a community hydro project.
Hydro systems can be either connected to the main electricity grid, or off-grid entirely. If the system is on-grid, the excess energy produced can be sold back to energy companies with the potential that you could have a negative electricity bill! An off-grid system would require a
A typical hydro system would require a weir to divert the water flow as appropriate, a penstock pipe to pass the water to the turbine, a “powerhouse” (to convert the kinetic energy of the water into electricity), an outflow to release the water back to source and power cabling to deliver the electricity to the necessary points.
There is a small visual impact and the turbines produce some noise, however, these can be avoided by careful planning. The most important environmental aspect to note is that the ecology of the source of water is not negatively disturbed by water flow through the turbine.
Costs to Generate Hydroelectric Power
The set up of hydro systems is somewhat of an exacting science so it would be necessary to obtain the advice of a micro-hydro consultant. Admittedly, the start up costs is significant, but the temptation of having an ongoing renewable source of energy with the prospect of small or even negative electricity bills can be persuasive. The costs for a low head system with an existing pond or weir would be approximately £4000 per kW up to roughly 10kW. Medium head systems would cost initially approximately £10,000 and then roughly £2,500 per kW up to 10kW. To set up a hydro system it will be necessary to discuss your plans with the local planning office.
There are grants available if you wish to implement this form of renewable energy into your home. Please consult the grants section on our site for additional details.