WRE designs and installs a wide range of sizes and types of hydro-electric systems. Economics of all systems have improved recently, and look set to continue to do so, which has brought many smaller schemes to the point of viability.
Many diverse barriers exist to installing systems, from regulatory to economic issues. Schemes of over 50kW benefit from economies of scale which can make them viable, while systems of under 50kW benefit from better prices for their power, under the ‘double-ROC’ system. However, disproportionate costs for very small systems prevents exploitation of many sites. To some extent this is unavoidable, but where costs are cut by using cheaper equipment, for instance fixed flow machines, the systems fail to fully harness the available resource. And, where less experienced consultants or companies who specialise only in feasibility work are used, clients can feel like guinea-pigs or worse.
Alongside WRE Ltd’s business in larger hydro projects, we offer a programme aimed at small (1 to 10kW sites, 2.5 to 10m head) sites, typically ex-mills, called HEADstart (Hydro Electric Assessment and Design).
WRE Ltd has identified a significant proportion of sites which are technically straightforward, and produce worthwhile amounts of energy, which are held back by designers and consultants who propose poor and non-standard designs of structures and equipment. This work generally fails to adequately and clearly specify all aspects of the proposed design and cuts out equipment specification at the expense of output.
Clients who receive services can feel disappointed if unrealistic expectations are sown at an early stage, and may find that ‘designs’ which they have, do not give sufficient detail to gain competitive quotes for installation, or even check for alternative suppliers of equipment.
Whilst small schemes may not benefit from economies of scale in terms of output, they are numerous, and a common technical package can be applied. It is WRE Ltd’s aim to offer a tailored service for sites to:
We pride ourselves on our practical abilities as well as technical knowledge and experience, but we recognise that it is often more cost effective or comforting for clients to use local contractors or builders for many aspects of the system, and bringing in specialists for only design and technical aspects of installation.
Don’t leave it to chance, choose this new approach from an experienced company and get a HEADstart
HEADstart – What is the process and what does it cost
The process is staged and proceeds sequentially.
Stage 1 – Feasibility
Stage 2 – Abstraction Licence Application
Stage 3 – Design & System Specification
These documents would have sufficient depth to allow the self builder to source everything and build the system if they so wished.
This work does not include additional documents and consents such as:
The site owner could address some of these points to save cost if required.
Stage 1 – Feasibility
Stage 2 – Abstraction Licence Application
Stage 3 – Design & System Specification
Travel is charged at 40p per mile.
All costs from WRE Ltd for materials, equipment and labour during installation are charged at 5% VAT when purchased through us if bought with generating equipment.
Flood defence consent
Flood risk assessment
Environmental impact assessment
Planning application
Abstraction application fees
Long Term Flow Monitoring
A typical site will cost in the region of £6,750 + VAT (including fees to agencies and consultants) to develop a scheme ready for construction.
These are 2009-10 prices and are subject to change.
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