This presentation will look at the new opportunities for generating hydroelectricity at low head hydro sites alongside existing navigation structures. It will present details of the latest developments in the UK using Archimedean Screws, turbines and embedded grid generation.
The relationship between hydro developers and navigation authorities will be considered especially the need to maintain navigational levels being a priority as against maximising energy output.
The issues associated with the economic sustainability of hydro plants utilising environmental subsidies will be examined and compared with other sources of green energy such as wind power and photo voltaic.
The very positive impact on, and the improvements in bio-diversity in rivers previously blocked to fish migration, will be discussed giving examples of fish pass developments in the UK. The obvious benefits in the reduction of CO2 emissions and the financial benefits of being fully sustainable in terms of producing electricity will be discussed. Reference will be made to the types of environmental control imposed upon proposed developments including water abstraction /impoundment licensing, planning and heritage protection by the UK regulatory authorities.
The challenges faced over the last five years of hydro development will be reviewed as well as the lessons learned in the process. Reference will be made to a number of completed sites and examine the additional benefits that have arisen from allowing the development and operation of low head hydro electricity generation.
The current need to deal with cyber security will also be examined.