Renewable Energy | ||||
Micro hydro systems | ||||
 In a micro-hydro system, water flows downhill through pipes into a small turbine, and the turbine drives an electricity generator. Some electricity can be used immediately, and the rest can be stored in a bank of batteries or even sent back into the grid. | ||||
Electricity can be generated by ‘run of river’ schemes, or schemes with significant water storage in a lake. Both typically require dams. Hydro lakes and dams perform two tasks. They store water to allow generation even when it hasn’t rained for some time, and they allow the water to be dropped from the dam, through pipes called penstocks, to the turbines. The further the water falls, the faster it moves and the greater the amount of electricity generated. Hydro electricity does not produce greenhouse gasses, aside from those created during the construction phase. Hydro electricity in New Zealand Unlike other forms of renewable energy, hydro electricity is already a well established technology and a major contributor to energy supplies both in New Zealand and overseas. New Zealand has a range of large and small hydro schemes. Large hydro power schemes generate over 60 per cent of the national electricity supply. Small HydroThere are already a number of small hydro schemes on rivers and streams around New Zealand, and there are many more opportunities to use this energy resource to provide electricity to remote farms, homes and holiday retreats. Why use small hydro to generate electricity?
For New Zealanders who are concerned about rising electricity prices, or who are interested in sustainable and self-sufficient ways of living, small hydro schemes can be an attractive option. Sources: |
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