Micro-hydro power from redundant river weirs

The aim of the project is to develop micro-hydro generator systems for retrofitting to existing weirs. The systems need to be compatible with the many regulations and legislative requirements that exist. Systems are required that can be customised to fit a wide range of weirs, without the need to adapt or modify the weir.

This is generally a requirement, as many of the weirs are critical as part of local flood management and so cannot be changed. This in itself is at odds with a requirement of the Environment Agency, which is to enable passage of fish upstream, a process which often necessitates the removal of weirs.

To address these complex, and sometimes contradictory requirements, it is proposed to work with the Environment Agency, the Canal and Rivers Trust, Kirklees Council, EPIKS (Environmental Projects in Kirklees) and Hallidays Hydropower to develop both a prototype system and a test / demonstration site at Snow Island alongside the University.

The proposed project will establish the technical feasibility of such a system, whilst incorporating a fish pass and relevant environmental protections to ensure that the system meets all the current regulations and licensing requirements. It will include identifying the most appropriate type of fish pass and its location on the weir; and details of how the fish pass can be constructed.

The micro-hydro system will consider the type, design, output and most appropriate location for the micro-hydro unit, the cost of installing the micro-hydro unit and associated infrastructure the lower and upper scenarios for generating electricity and the likely income derived from such an output, the likely maintenance requirements of the installation and liabilities associated with this and a full cost benefit analysis of the economics of installing micro-hydro, including any regulatory or other requirements/benefits. It is also proposed to assess any potential direct or indirect community benefits, by establishment of a public viewing area to develop the educational value of site in understanding about, biodiversity, climate change and renewables.

Other targets are improved value of the river for biodiversity, benefits from researching the micro-hydro installation and its potential replication in communities elsewhere (local and international), and the contribution of the overall scheme to Huddersfield's Sustainable Town's Development Goals and the Kirklees Climate target of net zero carbon emission by 2038. The ideal final outcome will be a customisable system which meets all regulatory requirements, and is certified as acceptable for application on any similar weir.