The pilot phase trials a range of technologies
- To see which model(s) offer the best solutions
- To test In different conditions (e.g. urban, rural, rivers, lakes, canals etc)
- Testing a combination of two or three of these technologies at one site
We then want to validate and agrees which technologies and solutions partners recommend as a ‘standard solution’ that other organisations should adopt. We want to prove that the technologies work and help deliver the results we aim to achieve.
We want to show that organisations can take a leap of faith and install such technologies. If the project is successful it will not only prove that the solutions we’ve tested generate sufficient levels of electricity and are cost effective to run - but enable organisations to demonstrate a commitment to ‘greening’ in the region
Purchase and installation of equipment allows partners to test functionality and assess the levels of power generated/CO2 reduced, and costs saved. As part of this process the planning issues are ‘encountered’ and partners overcome the technical and logistical issues that need to be addressed before the final ‘switch-on’.
Different small hydro models need to be tested under varying conditions. Other emerging technologies exist and we will trial one or more of these to test their suitability and capabilities. We can then form opinions about which equipment is best suited to which physical, political, commercial, or environmental conditions. Once a suitable standard designs are agreed we would look at how best these could be implemented.
The work undertaken in the pilots will allow partners to find out for themselves what it is that’s preventing wider take-up. So a key lesson will be “How do we stimulate this market to achieve a critical mass that will give companies the stimulus to mass produce such equipment?”
We also want the pilots to help us learn how easy or not it is to satisfy the regulators. If it’s found to be very difficult the pilots will evolve so that the task also looks at what steps organisations need to take to ensure they comply with the rules.
Follow on work is to deliver a press campaign to promote the small hydro benefits and to stress the need for change in situations that are thought to be placing unnecessary barriers in the way of implementation.