ABSTRACT
Hydropower energy is one of the most widely used methods of energy production in the world. Approximately one quarter of the world’s energy demand is provided from using hydropower technology. Many small scale hydroelectric schemes are provided to supply electricity locally to remote industry or housing where connection to the grid network would be expensive. The results of the investigations of the Salford University Civil Engineering Ltd showed that the amount of small scale hydroelectric generation potential in the United Kingdom is dependant upon the economic climate. A good indicator of the economic climate is a parameter referred to as the economic rate of return. One of the major outcomes resulting from this change in legislation, so far as small scale hydroelectric developments are concerned, is the new open market. Unlike previous United Kingdom legislation, the newly formed Regional Electricity Boards are free to purchase electricity from any source.
