Hydroelectric power is not a new concept in the United Kingdom. The nation has been pursuing the development and proliferation of this renewable energy for decades. In fact, the UK experienced a surge in the growth of hydroelectric power in the 1940s and 1950s such that its expansion during this time period is likely to remain unequaled. Many economically viable sites have already been tapped for hydroelectric power production, leading to a decrease in power plant construction. This should not, however, prevent the United Kingdom from continuing to seek out locations ideal for the utilization of water’s renewable energy.

The Environment Agency in the United Kingdom obviously feels this way. They recently unveiled a map displaying choice, untapped regions suitable for hydroelectric power generation. 26,000 locations were revealed on this map that could conceivably account for 3% of the United Kingdom’s renewable electricity consumption by the year 2020. Nearly 850,000 homes would receive electricity from turbines installed in these locations. Researchers have admitted that environmental concerns may reduce that number.

Critics have voiced these concerns, claiming that installing turbines in these locations could present a danger to the fish population found there. Areas along the Thames, Aire, Severn, and Neath rivers have proven to be appealing sites for hydroelectric turbines, many of them rife with fish. The Environment Agency has developed fish passes for these locales, providing a safe route around turbines for spawning salmon and other fish. Environment Agency representatives have identified at least 4,000 locations at which these passes are feasible. In addition to pointing out these 4,000 locations, the Environment Agency recommended in their report that all future hydroelectric power plant construction in the UK should include fish passes as part of their plans.

As in other renewable energy fields, the United Kingdom government intends to assist in the propagation of hydroelectric power. Beginning in April, a feed-in tariff will qualify certain firms feeding hydro-electric power into the grid for up to 20p per kilowatt hour generated by way of hydroelectricity. Numerous groups throughout the UK are also looking to encourage the government to extend grants to small-scale plants that install fish passes. Helping small-scale operations not only benefits the hydro-electric power industry as a whole, it lessens the chance for future trusts and monopolies. The system of feed-in tariffs as well as private ownership would go a long way in preventing such issues.

Though not as rapid as it was 50 years ago, renewable energy growth found in hydroelectric-power will continue in the United Kingdom.