Hydropower
The UK generates about 1.5% of its electricity from hydroelectric schemes.
HYDROPOWER
The UK generates about 1.5% of its electricity from hydroelectric schemes.
Hydropower is generated when flowing water is channelled through a water turbine, which rotates a shaft, driving an electrical generator. This action converts the water motion into electricity. The widespread use of hydropower has meant:
- It is now one of the most cost effective ways to generate clean energy with minimal impact on the environment
- It's a mature technology, providing numerous, long time, reliable technical solutions
In Europe there are nearly 22 000 small hydro power plants in operation and it is expected that this number will increase to 24 000 by the end of 2020 - Small hydro power plants are generally built using simple structures with little alteration of the watershed conditions and surrounding areas and are designed to cause minimal damage to natural habitats