Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source. According to the Greek Legislation a“Small” Hydroelectric Project is one of installed capacity of up to 15 MWp. A typical Small Hydroelectric Power Station (SMHYS) exploits the energy potential of water by initially converting it to kinetic energy and then to electrical energy. The installation of a SMHYS, utilizing the altitude difference between the natural water drop and a hydraulic pressure system, leads the water into a turbine. A small hydroelectric project usually consists of a mountain abstraction, or even a small reservoir, for limited flow regulation. The small scale hydroelectric power plants (SSH) provide mainly continuous flow, that means they do not include significant water collection and storage, and therefore no construction of large dams and reservoirs is needed. This is why the separation between small and large hydropower is usually done. A small hydroelectric plant is a project that is perfectly compatible with the environment, as all the individual interventions in the site of the project can be aesthetically and functionally integrated into the environmental characteristics, utilizing local resources.
Related Links:
- Μικρά Υδροηλεκτρικά Έργα
- Ελληνικός Σύνδεσμος Μικρών Υδροηλεκτρικών Έργων (Ε.Σ.Μ.Υ.Ε)
- What is the difference between micro, mini and small hydro?
- Types of Hydropower Plants
