Hydro Power

Much of the world continues to depend on the electricity produced by hydro schemes. Indeed 12 countries are 100% reliant on such schemes, and almost half of the UK's renewable energy generation comes from hydro electricity.

Larger scale hydropower stations, based on dams, reservoirs, or ‘run of river' (which relies on the fall of the water down a hillside) are mainly the preserve of large electricity generation companies. However small-scale hydro schemes are playing an increasingly important role in the UK's source of power. They remain one of the cheapest forms of renewable electricity per unit, are increasingly efficient and a valuable revenue scheme for owners of farms and country estates.

There are huge opportunities for sensitively sited micro-hydro installations that can generate power with minimal visual impact on the surrounding environment. A wide range of environments are suitable, including those with varying gradients, water levels and land mass. Savills is advising a number of landowners about the hydro potential of their property and can guide clients through the entire process as follows:

• site identification and evaluation
• environmental impact assessment coordination and the preparation of environmental statements
• preparation of supporting planning statements for small-scale proposals
• submission of planning applications
• acquisition of land and necessary rights
• sourcing funding
• grant applications