The term small hydro includes run-of-the-river and micro hydro, which capture the energy in flowing water and convert it to useable energy.

Small hydro projects generate electricity using the natural flow and elevation drop of a river with consistent and steady flow. A portion of a river's water is diverted downriver to a channel, pipeline, or penstock, giving the water the speed and pressure required to spin the turbines that transform this kinetic energy into electrical energy through a generator.

Small hydro power is not a new concept, but it has grown in popularity over the last two decades, especially in British Columbia, with new sites being built and old sites being updated. With a growing demand for clean, renewable energy, small hydro can provide a significant contribution to British Columbia’s future energy needs.

Where can it be used?

Often found at high elevations, potential small hydro sites require a significant elevation drop and sufficient annual precipitation rates. Such sites are characterized by fast flows, steep canyons and waterfalls. Typically these sites are above natural barriers to migrating fish.

British Columbia is fortunate to have a large number of such sites, particularly in the coastal mountain ranges.

Small hydro sites can also be developed at existing dam sites, reducing the need for sometimes costly engineering work.

Benefits of Small Hydro:

• Where resources exist, small hydro provides a reliable, renewable and cost-effective energy source;
• Small hydro is emission free: no gas or heat is released during the process;
• A well-designed project can blend in with its surroundings and have minimal environmental impacts;
• There is no alteration of downstream flows as all diverted water is returned to the stream below the powerhouse;
• The physical characteristics of small hydro projects, especially the elevation, limit fish presence. Fish habitat is largely undisturbed.

Challenges:

• Need to identify appropriate site/resource;
• Distance of site from transmission grid;
• Need to ensure appropriate environmental safeguards;
• Access to capital to build project;
• Highly competitive process to obtain electricity purchase agreement.

Useful Links:

The Ministry of Environment (MoE) processes applications for water licenses for power projects. Click for more information on water power policy and licensing.

BC Hydro has long-term electricity purchase agreements with small, run-of-the-river projects and is expanding these opportunities through their 2008 Call for Power.