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Micro Hydro
Where there is access to a suitable river or stream, micro-hydro can be a very attractive option for producing electricity. The term 'micro-hydro' is usually used to describe schemes up to 100kW. Micro-hydro is usually run-of-river, meaning that no significant water storage is required, unlike large hydro schemes which require large reservoirs. In most cases, private schemes generate between a few hundred watts and 25kW. Above this level, schemes are usually commercially operated. Hydro systems at the 25 to 100 kW scale can be connected to the main electricity grid or alternatively can be used in an off-grid system where electricity is either used directly by appliances or is stored through the use of batteries. Single households might be able to go completely 'off-grid' where there is a suitable hydro source nearby. In cases where excess power is generated this can also be sold back into the grid. Many farms in Borders of Scotland are situated on the sites of old mills, and therefore maybe suitable for micro-hydro generation. However, costs are quite high and a pre-feasibility study will be needed to assess the situation. Further Information
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