Rethinking household energy provision – delve into generating electricity with micro hydro turbines on this one-day short course.

Despite a high upfront cost, micro hydro turbines can be a very efficient and convenient form of small-scale renewable energy generation. At CAT, generating electricity from Hydro power has been an important part of our electricity mix since the 1970s, and allows us to take advantage of the topography and water systems of the CAT site.

On this course, you will delve into the science, explore what makes a good site for micro hydro, see small scale hydro generation in action, and consider whether micro hydro is right for you.

Key information

• Duration: one day
• Upcoming date: Saturday 24th May 2025
• Start and finish times: starts at 9:30am and ends at 3:30pm
• Fee: £125
• Includes: tuition, buffet lunch.
• What to bring: waterproof clothing is recommended
• Terms and Conditions:
  • you must be 18 years or over to attend our courses.
  • For full list of terms and conditions click here

What you will learn

This course covers the basic knowledge required for assessing a site, evaluating the potential energy availability and determining the relevant applicable turbine type. It is by its nature largely numerical and technical.

Aspects covered will include:

• Site topography
• Rainfall and catchment assessment
• Run of river and impounded systems
• Compensation flow requirements
• Mass flow rate and available head
• Pipe friction and Specific Speed (turbine evaluation)
• Generator characteristics required

On completion of the course, the student should be able to complete a site assessment and discuss the range of information required to determine if a project is worth pursuing. Grid connection and water abstraction will need to be discussed with the relevant authorities.

Meet your tutor

Alan Owen is a Chartered Energy Engineer and lecturer on our postgraduate courses here at CAT. His research ranges from numerical modelling of sustainable energy systems and resources in Europe, to developing international sustainable energy policy and strategy in post-conflict/post-disaster areas of South East Asia.