The Generating Potential for Micro-Hydro Power

Records of hydropower usage in Europe go back several centuries. Initially for mechanical power generation (flour milling and flax and linen mills) which was largely replaced by steam and electrical power during the industrialization period.  The potential for additional large scale hydro projects is considered at capacity from environmental impact, land use and public acceptance as much as from a hydro-geologic potential.

There exists unrealized potential for small and micro-scale hydropower generation that is; environmentally acceptable (low rpm wheels and small run-of-river diversions have minimal negative impact on environment and fisheries), economically sustainable, and in aggregate has the potential to generate significant green electricity to meet EU goals.

Available records indicate at least 1,220 water mills throughout Belgium (entire). Visiting a museum dedicated to the historical water mills used for mechanical power (to grind grain, process flax, etc) yields an overview of the geographical spread and prevalence of water mills which existed and in some cases still exist as remnants (See Figure 1).

Many of these mills are completely disappeared and the waterways have been re-directed and may have been driven underground or otherwise degraded.  However many other waterways and water mill facilities are still extant (see Figure 2) and can be relatively easily resurrected to generate hydroelectricity.

There are publications from the United Kingdom on such proposals, in particular a call for renewing old water mills and turning them into hydropower producing sites by the UK Climate Change Minister.  Recent studies in the Peak District have shown significant potential and calls for an approach to streamlining permitting and installation.

An examination of the current Belgian market shows at least one company involved in small scale restorations of extant historical water mill/wheel sites for the purposes of generating hydroelectricity (see Figure 3).

These current initiatives are reportedly[6] being conducted on historically listed sites where a program exists that offers refunds of up to 80% for restoring historical patrimony sites.  This makes the sites economically viable as the high capital investment costs are defrayed and compensates for the moderate power generation revenues.

Interviews with directors of Ecopower6 indicate significant hydropower potential in the Belgian Ardennes that are being hampered by two primary factors:

• Lack of capital in the region
• Lack of historically listed sites that qualify for the patrimonial restoration funds

Improvements in policy guidance, permitting procedures and authority, a compelling economic model and supplier resources prevent wider scale implementation.  Preliminary business case models estimate 12 year break-even with green certificates.

This study looks at the potential for green, run-of-river based hydroelectric power generation within Europe in the context of the Ardennes.  It uses generally accepted scientific studies, regulatory and market analysis and pilot project(s).  Its purpose is to determine the best combination of site locations, technologies and community engagement (social entrepreneurship) to spur adoption and promulgation.  Extensive European adoption of environmentally friendly green micro-scale hydroelectric generation can be a crucial asset in meeting the EU green energy generation goals. Building a solid scientific background, a policy and permitting framework and a successful collaborative business model engaging local entrepreneurs are the first steps.