Use a stream or river to generate electricity
Hydroelectricity systems generate electricity from running water – usually a
small stream. Small or "micro" hydroelectricity systems can produce
enough electricity for lighting and electrical appliances in an average home.
Hydroelectricity systems are also called hydro power systems or just hydro
systems.
See how hydroelectricity can work with your home
- How do hydroelectricity
systems work? - The benefits of hydro
systems - Is a hydro system suitable
for my home? - Making the most of
hydroelectricity - Costs and savings
- Find out more
How do hydro power systems work?
Hydro power systems use running water to turn a small turbine which
generates electricity. The faster the water flows and the more water there is,
the more electricity can be generated.
The amount of electricity a system actually generates depends on how
efficiently it converts the power of the moving water into electrical power.
Hydro power systems convert potential energy stored in water held at height
to kinetic energy
The benefits of hydro systems
- Cut your carbon
footprint: hydroelectricity is green, renewable energy and
doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. - Cut your
electricity bills: hydroelectricity is free, so once you’ve paid
for the initial installation you’ll reduce or even eliminate your
electricity bills. - A lower cost
option: installing a hydro system can be expensive, but in many
cases it’s less than the cost of getting a connection to the National
Grid. - Cheap heating and
hot water: a hydro system may generate more electricity than you
need for lighting your home and powering your electrical appliances – so
you can use the excess to heat your home and your hot water too.
Is a hydro system suitable for my home?
To tell if a hydro system is right for you, there are a few key questions to
consider:
- Is there a river or
steam close to your home? You’ll need access to a fairly fast
flowing water course, and the right to build around it
- Does the water flow
vary significantly during the year? If so, the hydro system may
not be able to supply you with all the electricity you need during dry
months. If you’re not connected to the electricity grid, you’ll need a
backup power system.
- Do you want to sell
excess energy? Hydro systems can be connected to the National
Grid if a suitable connection point is available. Any electricity you
generate but don’t use can then be sold to electricity companies.
To find out if a hydro system is suitable for your home use our energy
selector tool – coming soon.
Making the most of hydroelectricity
To make the electricity you produce go further:
- Use low energy bulbs throughout your home – these produce the same amount of light as conventional bulbs and use up to 80% less electricity.
- Invest in energy efficient appliances.
Costs and savings
Costs for installing a hydro system vary a lot, depending
on the location and the amount of electricity it can generate. A typical 5kW
scheme suitable for an average home might cost £20,000 – £25,000 including
installation.
Savings depend on the amount of hydroelectricity that is used
in place of electricity bought from another source. If the hydro system
replaces electricity bought from the National Grid then typical savings could
be substantial.
Maintenance costs vary but are usually low as hydro systems
are very reliable.
From 1st April 2010 you could be eligible to receive cash for each unit of
electricity you generate using this technology.
