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  1. Welcome to Planning Portal
  2. Planning
  3. Sustainability and planning
  4. Home energy generation
  5. Hydro electricity

Home energy generation

Hydro electricity
  1. Introduction
  2. Solar Electricity (Photovoltaics)
  3. Wind Turbines
  4. Solar Thermal (Water Heating)
  5. Heat pumps
  6. Hydro electricity
  7. Biomass
  8. Micro combined heat and power
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Hydro electricity

Hydroelectrical power systems use running water turning a turbine to produce electricity. A micro hydro plant is one that generates less than 100 killowatts.

Improvements in small turbine and generator technology mean that micro hydro schemes are an attractive means of producing electricity. Useful power may be produced from even a small stream.

For houses with no mains connection but with access to a micro hydro site, a good hydro system can generate a steady, more reliable electricity supply than other renewable technologies at a lower cost. Total system costs can be high but often less than the cost of a grid connection and with no electricity bills to follow.

It should be noted that in off-grid applications the power is used for lighting and electrical appliances. However, space and water heating can be supplied when available power exceeds demand.

For more information on how small scale hydro power systems work, costs and other important considerations see the Energy Saving Trust information page1.

View information on the planning and building regulations regimes covering hydro electricity in our common projects section2.

Other Links

  • Planning Practice Guidance: Renewable and low carbon energy3
  • The National Energy Foundation4
  • British Hydropower Association - A Guide to UK Micro Hydro Developments5

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    1. https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/electricity/hydro
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/hydro-electricity/planning-permission
    3. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy
    4. http://www.nef.org.uk/
    5. http://www.british-hydro.org/micro-hydro-guide/

    Disclaimer

    This is an introductory guide and is not a definitive source of legal information. Guidance is based on national rules, but additional local rules may also affect what permissions are needed. You should check if this is the case before applying or starting work.
    Guidance here relates to the planning regime for England, the policy in Wales may differ. If in doubt contact your local planning authority. Please note, local authorities may charge a fee for pre-application advice.
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    1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/terms-and-disclaimer/terms-and-conditions


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      The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.