Public attitudes
A recent survey found that although many people have heard of hydroelectric power, there was little understanding of how it worked. Some respondents saw hydroelectric schemes as potential tourist attractions and in keeping with historic water mill practices – while others worried valleys would need to be flooded.
Jobs
Large-scale hydroelectric schemes are usually built in remote areas, away from centres of population. They can therefore be a valuable source of employment to the area, during construction and beyond.
Cost
For houses with no mains connection, a good hydroelectric system can generate a steady, reliable electricity supply at a lower cost than other renewable technologies. Although still quite high, total system costs are often less than the cost of a grid connection and have no electricity bills to follow.
River ecology
Environment Agency guidelines protect our river ecology by restricting the proportion of the total flow of any river diverted through turbines. Also, hydroelectric power schemes may need to include fish screens and/or ladders to allow migrating salmon and sea trout to pass into the upper stretches of rivers to spawn.
Energy balance
Although hydroelectric projects inevitably use up energy (to manufacture the components and build the scheme), small-scale schemes normally balance this out with the energy they produce within just nine months.
Intrusion
Small-scale schemes are quiet and surprisingly unobtrusive. In terms of the visual impact, most hydropower schemes can be a very positive addition to scenic surroundings.
Emissions
Emissions are not a problem on small-scale schemes.
Noise
Turbines can produce some noise, but there are many straightforward methods for reducing this.
Recreation
Creating a reservoir can also offer recreational and tourist opportunities.