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TECHNOLOGIES >> PROJECTS >> MICRO HYDRO CASE STUDY

Gerddi-gleision Farm25kW High head Micro Hydro

Micro Hydro potential

Rhian and John approached us at the Royal Welsh Show because they believed they could harness the power of the river through their farm.

We carried out a desk top survey on the spot and quickly identified that it was a viable site in terms of head and flow.

Following the desk top survey, we made a site visit and produced a detailed feasibility study to provide Rhian and John with the information they needed to make an investment decision.  

A clear step by step guide was included laying out the stages that a hydro build project would need to follow.

Design and permit

Since all indicators looked positive we proceeded to the next phase. Securing the licencing, planning permittion and grid connection. These must be inplace before construction of the scheme could begin.

This all came off the back of our detailed designs. Our design uncoveres the flow characteristics, environmental considerations and measures needed to minimise impacts to the environment.

This finished with the sizing of the system from the weir, through to pipes, down to the turbine housed at the farm and off to the home and eventual grid connection.

Hydro Install and commission

Working closely with the team at the farm, we installed the system as a collaborative effort, with SJ1 Renewables providing all the specialist design, equipment, and guidance.

The farm followed our detailed drawings to build the weir and the turbine house.

We at SJ1 were on site carry out the specialist elements such as pipe fusing, laying and couplings. Install the intake screens and the turbine installation. The electrical equipment, connections and system commissioning.

The farm helps the UK save 18 tonnes of CO2 per year

This is equivalent to:

The annual emissions of 4 petrol cars

Planting of 800 trees

Proud owners

The farm now benefits from 120,000 units of electricity each year.

It means that they import very little power and have diversified their income at the farm. They benifit from the revenue they get though exporting excess electricity back to the grid. 

Key to our success

The success of this project were driven by starting the permitting process early and providing a comprehensive application. Using local skills wherever possible with clear explanations of what’s required.  Good communication during the installation phase and installation.

As Rhian and John will attest, using SJ1 Renewables as experienced micro hydro consultants and project delivery specialists took a great deal of the risk out of these multifaceted projects and ensured a smooth project delivery.