Find out what we think about hydropower, what you need to know when developing a scheme and the hydropower opportunities in England and Wales.
Interest in developing small-scale (less than 5 Megawatts generating capacity) hydropower schemes is increasing as Government initiatives encourage greater use of renewable energy sources.
We strongly support the UK and Welsh Assembly Governments' targets for the use of renewable energy. We recognise that hydropower schemes can help meet renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Our role
It's our job to help hydropower developers whilst protecting the natural environment. We want developers to prepare successful applications which comply with environmental and other legislation. Hydropower schemes require the following permits and consents from us:
- an abstraction licence
- an impoundment licence
- flood defence consent
We have to ensure that hydropower schemes do not increase flood risk, damage ecology, damage the fish population or obstruct fish migration. Proposals must also comply with environmental regulations such as the Water Framework Directive and the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975), which stress the importance of fish migration.
Consultation on streamlining permitting of hydropower
We've launched a consultation seeking ideas on how to streamline and improve the administrative process. We want to improve co-ordination on how we deal with the various permissions so it feels like a single process and permit. It should lead to better quality applications and help people who need to be involved. It's not about cutting corners on environmental protection. The consultation closes on 11 June 2010.
Mapping hydropower opportunities and environmental sensitivities
We have produced a report and map showing the hydropower opportunities in England and Wales and the environmental sensitivities associated with exploiting them.
Further information
Are you ready for hydropower? leaflet (PDF, 432KB)
Good practice guidelines annex to the hydropower handbook (PDF, 631KB)
