|
|
Definition of SHP
There is no international consensus on the definition of small
hydropower. In Canada 'small' can refer to upper limit capacities
of between 20 and 25 MW, in the United States 'small' can mean
30MW, however, a value of up to 10 MW total capacity is becoming
generally accepted. Small hydro can be further subdivided into
mini hydro (usually defined as <500KW) and micro hydro (<100kW).
No matter how you define the it one thing remains the same,
small hydropower is one of the most environmentally benign forms
of energy generation available to us today.
Small-scale hydropower systems capture the energy in flowing
water and convert it to usable energy. Although the potential
for small hydro-electric systems depends on the availablity
of suitable water flow, where the resource exists it can provide
cheap clean reliable electricity. A well designed small hydropower
system can blend with its surroundings and have minimal negative
environmental impacts
Moreover, small hydro power has a huge, as yet untapped potential
in most areas of the world and can make a significant contribution
to future energy needs. It depends largely on already proven
and developed technology, yet there is considerable scope for
development and optimization of this technology. |
|
 |
| |
|
