Hydropower Learning Centre
We’ve put together a hydropower learning centre to address some common questions regarding small and micro hydropower installations. If you can’t find what you are after please contact us and we’ll add a new section.
Performance and Financial Analysis
- How much power could I generate?
- How much energy could I generate?
- How much income would my hydro system provide?
- How much does a hydropower system cost to build?
- How much does a hydropower system cost to operate?
- What would the return on investment be?
- Are there Feed-in Tariffs or grants available for hydro schemes?
- Feed-in Tariffs for hydropower, and other sources of income
Hydropower Fundamentals
- What makes a good hydro site?
- Can I generate electricity from a fast flowing river without a fall?
- How long will the whole project take?
- How long do hydropower installations last?
- Will my scheme need an environmental licence or planning permission?
- How do hydro systems work?
- What is ‘head’?
- What is ‘flow’?
- Head and flow detailed review
- What is a Flow Duration Curve?
- What is the minimum head and flow I need?
- Is it worth using a variable-speed generator for hydropower, or a variable-speed Archimedean Screw?
- What is the physical size of a hydro system?
General Hydropower
- Can the energy be consumed on site?
- Can I generate using my old water mill?
- What is the difference between micro, mini and small hydro
- Are hydro systems fish-friendly, and will I need a fish pass?
- Which turbine types do we supply?
- Is there an association for people interested / involved in hydropower?
- How do you connect to the grid?
- Can I use hydro off-grid and be independent?
- What are the main project risks for hydropower?
Hydropower Turbines
Are you considering a hydropower project in the UK, Ireland or overseas?
Renewables First have considerable experience as a hydro consultant and have a full project capability, from initial feasibility study through to system design and installation.
The first step to develop any small or micro hydropower site is to conduct a full feasibility study.
Contact us about a feasibility study today!
Once complete, you will understand the site potential and be guided through the next steps to develop your project. You can read more about hydropower in our Hydro Learning Centre.