The REDAWN of micro hydropower

THE EU WATER SECTOR utilises about 3.5% of the total energy demand. From the current global trend, energy use in the sector will almost double by 2040. This makes the water sector a significant contributor to climate change, due to the fossil fuel sources used for the energy production. The transition to renewable energy sources will help to alleviate this impact and achieve the Paris Agreement ambition of 40% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2030.
Micro hydropower (MHP) refers to a technique of using turbines situated within water channels or pipes to generate power of between 5-100kW. Its technical application takes advantage of the existing flow and excess pressure within the network to generate electricity. Using this technology in pressurised water networks (drinking water, industry, irrigation or wastewater) could lead to important benefits, such as the improvement in energy efficiency, pressure and leakage management. Social and economic benefits are also accruable such as reduction in operation and maintenance costs for providers on one hand, and reducing water and energy poverty, especially in remotes areas, on the other.