Hydro-power in Devon “ Dripping water carves a stone.” - Ovid – John Baker Devon County Council August 2009 AER Summer School

Introduction Devon – what’s it like? Why are we interested in renewable energy and hydro power? RE4D - Devon’s award Winning Renewable Energy Project Examples of hydro-power in Devon Other examples from Devon of technology generating power from water

Devon: Rural County with dispersed remote communities 52,616 rural businesses employing 186,724 staff. Two coastlines 7 protected landscapes 1 UNESCO Biosphere reserve 2 UNESCO World heritage sites

Life in Devon: 3 x more Agricultural activity 2 x more Tourism business ½ the firms turnover < € 57,000 17% of the working age population is self employed compared to Uk average of 10% Gross annual pay is lower at € 18, 300 compared to UK average of € 21,144 Connection to Internet is slow - typically less than 2Mbps People move to Devon for the lifestyle!

Green technology is a priority: - Encouraging business start ups, enterprise and innovation - Developing our identity as England’s Greenest County -

The road to 2020: 15% target for renewable energy (2% Starting point) We now require “swift delivery”…

RE4D case study Support for businesses, communities and households to install micro-technology: –Solar thermal and solar PV –Biomass –Wind –Hydro RE4D for: –Demand stimulation –Supply chain support –Encourage Innovation

RE4D supported projects:

RE4D headlines: 90 new jobs 154 installations 3MW of installed capacity £2m additional spend in the Devon economy 1700 tonnes of CO 2 saved per annum 100 events promoting micro installations 2009 Ashden award winner 15% growth in sector 11 technology growth plans – 4 of them focusing on Hydro

Benefits of Hydro… Produces pollution free renewable electricity Electricity can be used domestically or sold at a premium Generates continuously over long periods Long equipment lifespan (25 to 50 years) Many suitable sites

Devon hydro installations:

The contribution of hydro…

Hydro - the basics: Power = head (height in M) x Mass (M 3/ second)

Hydro History: –Water was once used extensively as a source of motive power in Europe. –5000 mills were recorded in 1086AD in the Doomsday book

Hydro History: On Dartmoor the tin and woollen industry has left a legacy of hydro power

Hydro innovation: Re-activation of many of these old sites for electricity generation is now becoming worthwhile.

Design of low-head schemes

Domestic hydro: Automated self-cleaning grid-connect installation on Dartmoor…

Low head technology: Modern waterwheels Overshot waterwheel (3m dia. 7.5 kW)

Hydro innovation: Archimedes screw turbines – low head high flow turbine and fish friendly

High head technology

Seven SWW Hydro Electric schemes Avon Reservoir117 kW Crownhill WTW425 kW Littlehempston WTW480 kW Mary Tavy Power Station2600 kW Meldon Reservoir430 kW Morwellham Power Station640 kW Roadford Reservoir975 kW Total Installed Cap.5.6 MW 2008/09 Output 13,885 MWh Big Hydro Electric Power:

Big units: Roadford reservoir Constructed and filled 1990 Cost £75 million Capacity 37,000 megalitres Area 3 sq.km Maximum release 148Ml/d Max. Head 38m 3 x Francis turbines by Biwater 730kW (shown in this photo) 180kW 40kW compensation m/c

Fernworthy reservoir

Other technologies being developed in the region: Wave hub - Severn Barrage - Atlantic Array - Algal bio reactors

Devon’s Hydro businesses (case studies) studies) and reports)

Concluding remarks: Hydro can make a significant contribution to generating renewable energy - especially in upland areas or where water is impounded for potable supplies Environmental impact assessments need to be high quality Feasibility work is essential Small schemes benefit from advice support and mentoring Grants and existing infrastructure for small projects improve the business case

Fin