Micro-Hydro Energy
Small scale hydroelectric power, or “micro-hydro,” is power generated by moving water, creating a capacity of 30 megawatts or less (CEC 2008). It has the zero carbon emissions benefits of large-scale hydroelectric (see “Hydroelectric Energy”) plus good potential for rural, off-the-grid locations where other energy sources are not available, provided one can run a system efficiently and legally. For micro-hydro to generate enough energy to be useful one requires a waterfall (ideally) or impoundment of water behind a dam to create “head” and a stream of adequate flow to produce sufficient wattage. A micro-hydro system can be expensive and requires a level of dedicated maintenance by the owner. However, it could be cheaper than extending power lines to the grid for rural households. Micro-hydro users may also need a backup energy system or battery storage for power generation when water flow is too low or water use is prohibited. In parts of the North Coast, the possibility of drought and the endangered or threatened status of local salmonids may make micro-hydro unattractive, despite its potential to help lower GHG emissions and provide rural electricity.
Citations:
California Energy Commission (CEC) Renewable Energy Program. 2008. Commission Guidebook, 2nd Edition. CEC-300-2007-003-ED2-CMF. Pages 16-24. http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/documents/index.html
