New map identifies UK’s hydropower hotspots

Around 26,000 potential sites for hydropower installations across England and Wales, enough to meet three per cent of the country’s 2020 renewable target, have literally been put on the map. The new map can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/shell/hydropowerswf.html

While the Environment Agency, which commissioned Entec UK to produce the map, conceded that not all sites are practical due to environmental issues, sensitively-designed hydropower schemes could bring around 4000 sites on rivers such as the Severn, Thames, Neath and Aire within the realm of the possible. Small-scale schemes at these sites could generate up to 3660GWh of electricity annually in theory. “Hydropower could become an attractive income generator for hydropower developers, if environmental safeguards are met,” says Tony Grayling of the Environment Agency.

While set-up costs range from GBP100,000-GBP150,000, they would be met in some way by the government’s new feed-in tariff. A hydropower scheme producing enough electricity for around 25 homes could receive up to GBP25,000 a year. “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,” Minister of State for Energy, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, said.