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Micro-hydro power in the UK: The role of communities in an emerging energy resource

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  • Bracken, L.J.
  • Bulkeley, H.A.
  • Maynard, C.M.

Abstract

Research around micro-hydro power is focused on technical aspects with limited understanding of the social organisation and environmental implications. We examine the ways in which micro-hydro is engaged by people and organisations as a means of contributing to the UK's policy ambition for renewable energy. We bring to the fore the way in which expertise is used and contested. A web based review of micro-hydro schemes in the UK was undertaken and a detailed evaluation of two schemes in the North of England was conducted to determine how expertise and contestation figures in community schemes. Results demonstrate a rapid expansion of micro-hydro in the UK. Ownership/control is highly ‘community based’. Until now research around micro-hydro has been dominated by technical approaches with schemes defined in terms of hardware. We propose a third dimension to Walker and Cass's (2007) classification of renewable energy developments: the environmental dimension. We suggest this dimension of micro-hydro is critical, both in terms of the extent to which resources can be realised but also the ways in which it might attract controversy, in particular around how expertise is used and valued.

Suggested Citation

  • Bracken, L.J. & Bulkeley, H.A. & Maynard, C.M., 2014. "Micro-hydro power in the UK: The role of communities in an emerging energy resource," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 92-101.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:68:y:2014:i:c:p:92-101
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.12.046
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    3. Kadier, Abudukeremu & Kalil, Mohd Sahaid & Pudukudy, Manoj & Hasan, Hassimi Abu & Mohamed, Azah & Hamid, Aidil Abdul, 2018. "Pico hydropower (PHP) development in Malaysia: Potential, present status, barriers and future perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 2796-2805.
    4. Behrendt, Karl & Paparas, Dimitrios, 2021. "Proceedings of the 4th Symposium on Agri-Tech Economics for Sustainable Futures, 20th – 21st September 2021, Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom," Agri-Tech Economics Proceedings 316594, Harper Adams University, Land, Farm & Agribusiness Management Department.
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    6. Apichonnabutr, W. & Tiwary, A., 2018. "Trade-offs between economic and environmental performance of an autonomous hybrid energy system using micro hydro," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C), pages 891-904.
    7. Behrendt, Karl & Paparas, Dimitrios, 2021. "Proceedings of the 4th Symposium on Agri-Tech Economics for Sustainable Futures, 20th – 21st September 2021, Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom," Land, Farm & Agribusiness Management Department 316594, Harper Adams University, Land, Farm & Agribusiness Management Department.
    8. Vincenzo Sammartano & Lorena Liuzzo & Gabriele Freni, 2019. "Identification of Potential Locations for Run-of-River Hydropower Plants Using a GIS-Based Procedure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-20, September.
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    13. Kemi Adeyeye & John Gallagher & Helena M. Ramos & Aonghus McNabola, 2022. "The Social Return Potential of Micro Hydropower in Water Networks Based on Demonstrator Examples," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.

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