A new map commissioned by the Environment Agency which shows where hydropower could be deployed in England and Wales could help to tap into the unused power potential of British rivers.
The 'hydropower opportunities and environmental sensitivities' map found almost 26,000 locations where a hydropower turbine could theoretically generate green electricity. Together, these sites could generate enough electricity to power up to around 850,000 homes and produce three per cent of the country’s 2020 renewable electricity needs.
However, the agency says that only some of these sites could be exploited due to environmental sensitivities, as well as practical constraints such as access to the electricity network.
An Environment Agency report found that a sensitively designed hydropower scheme that includes a fish pass could improve the local environment as well as generate electricity in over 4000 sites. These 'win-win' opportunities are particularly concentrated on rivers such as the Severn, Thames, Aire and Neath.
With government soon to offer subsidies of up to 20p for every kW/hr of electricity produced, a medium-sized scheme that typically generates enough electricity for about 32 homes, could receive around £25,000 a year. Average set -up costs range from £100,000 to £150,000. But, the Environment Agency stressed, a only schemes that were well designed and had no negative impacts on the river wildlife or the local environment would get the go ahead.
“Some hydropower schemes have the potential to deliver low carbon electricity and improve the local environment for wildlife, for example by improving fish migration. But there will inevitably be some sites where the risk to the environment outweighs the benefits of power generation," said Tony Grayling, Head of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the Environment Agency.
“With Government’s new feed-in tariff for renewably generated electricity, hydropower could become an attractive income generator for hydropower developers, if environmental safeguards are met."
Energy Minister Lord Hunt said: “Small scale hydropower is potentially one of the most cost-effective means of producing clean, green and home grown renewable electricity. It is clear that recent advances in technology, reduced equipment costs and financial incentives like the new feed-in tariffs will provide further opportunities for communities to harness the power of our rivers and streams.”
