Water Energy

We all know that when it rains water runs down the mountains and into the, streams, rivers and oceans. This movement of water can be used to make electricity, this is called Hydro - electricity.

Hydro power is one of the longest established forms of renewable energy. Water wheels were developed in the far east over two thousand years ago for the use in irrigation.

Towards the middle of the 19th century the first water turbines were developed. The turbine was distinct from the wheel in that it was smaller, more compact, more efficient and ran at a higher speed. This all made the water turbine particularly suited to use in electricity generation.

Continuous improvement in small turbine and generator technology means that ‘Micro’( under 100 kW ) and ‘Small - scale’ ( up to 5 MW ) hydro systems are an increasingly attractive means of producing electricity.

When you consider that countries like Norway produce more than 99% of it’s electricity with hydro power then there is no reason why it should not be a consideration on a small scale also.

Hydro power is clean energy and does not have a waste product . With modern technology hydro turbines can convert as much of 90% of its available energy into electricity.

Even small bodies of water can produce electricity, it all depends on what the flow of water is per second, what height the water is falling from, there are a few factor to consider but if it is of interest to you there are companies here in Ireland that could tell you if this is a method that you could use.

For further information on water energy read reference article:

Passing water generates electricity