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Renewable Energy Hydro Power


Hydro-electricity generation is a well-established technology accounting for about 1.3% of UK electricity, produced mainly by large-scale schemes in the Scottish Highlands. Hydroelectric energy uses proven and efficient technology with the most modern plants having energy conversion efficiencies of 90 percent and above.


Hydropower schemes harness the energy from flowing water to generate electricity, using a turbine or other device. This can be from rivers or man-made installations. Turbines placed within the flow of water extract its kinetic energy and


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convert it to mechanical energy, a generator then converts this to electrical energy.


The amount of hydropower generated depends on the water flow and the vertical distance (known as ‘head’) the water falls through.


There are 3 types of hydroelectric schemes:


Storage schemes - where a dam impounds water in a reservoir that feeds the turbine and generator.


Pumped storage schemes - which incorporate two reservoirs.


The day when Windsor Castle is powered by green energy came a step closer today when the second of two 40-tonne turbines was lifted into place at the Environment Agency’s Romney Weir on the River Thames.


Green energy scheme for Windsor Castle nears completion


The Environment Agency held a nationwide search to find a developer to transform the 214- year-old Romney Weir into an innovative structure able to generate electricity sustainably.


The largest hydropower scheme in the south east of England is being built by Jackson Civil Engineering for SEPEL and is set to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by 790,000kilos.


Once up and running the Archimedes screws, the largest in the UK and designed to be fish- friendly, will generate 300 kilowatts


The day when Windsor Castle is powered by green energy came a step closer today when the second of two 40-tonne turbines was lifted into place at the Environment Agency’s Romney Weir on the River Thames.


The Deputy Treasurer at the Royal Household, said: “The Royal Household is constantly looking at new ways of saving and supplying energy so as to remain as environmentally friendly as possible well into the future. Accordingly, the Household was very keen to support this project. Once completed, it is hoped that the scheme will supply half of Windsor Castle’s electricity.”


Howard Davidson, the Environment Agency’s South East Director, said: “We have worked closely with developer to ensure that this is a well designed and operated hydropower project that delivers low-carbon electricity and helps wildlife and fish migration. Renewable energy is important to the long-term protection of the environment but it’s our role to ensure hydropower's contribution is sustainable and benefits the local environment. We will be monitoring this scheme closely." The Environment Agency held a nationwide search to find a developer to transform the 214- year-old Romney Weir into an innovative structure able to generate electricity sustainably.


of energy every hour for up to half of the royal residence. Any surplus electricity will be sold back to the national grid by the developer Southeast Power Engineering Ltd (SEPEL) for use in homes in Windsor.


To help ensure the £1.7million project both generates clean energy and improves the local environment, the Environment Agency – who permits and will regulate the scheme - is requiring a new fish pass to be installed at the Weir. The new pass will enable over 12 species of fish including trout and perch, as well as endangered eels, to migrate up this stretch of river – some for the first time in over 200 years.


A 4-metre flood gate will also be linked to the hydropower scheme and will open automatically when river levels are high to ensure there is no increased risk from flooding


At times of low demand, generally at night, electricity is used to pump water from the lower to the upper basin. This is released through turbines to generate electricity when demand is high.


Run of river schemes - use the natural flow of a river and divert water to a remote powerhouse containing the turbine and generator to generate electricity.


Brian Crofton, Jackson Civil Engineering Contracts Director, said: "Jackson is delighted to be involved with this scheme, the first of its kind on the River Thames. Hydropower definitely has a place in the UK's future energy mix and we hope to be involved in more schemes going forward.


From an


engineering point of view, this project is fantastic; it is always good to see our industry being involved in new projects like this where we are combining innovation with existing assets on our rivers to create renewable energy for the future."


David DeChambeau, Director of Southeast Power Engineering Ltd (SEPEL), who secured the successful bid, said: “We are very proud to have been chosen to deliver this innovative project and to have the Royal Household as a customer. I believe my company is making a significant contribution to our country’s energy security. In turn, by utilising locally produced and pure renewable energy in Windsor Castle, the Royal Household is helping to reduce the UK's dependence on imported energy.”


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