Hydro Power

Welcome to our hydro power section. There is potential for generating renewable electricity from rivers on the Welsh Government woodland estate and Forestry Commission Wales supports the sustainable development of the hydro power resource. In particular we are keen to see hydro schemes owned by communities or run for community benefit.  Hydro power can bring benefits to your community by generating income from the government’s Feed in Tariff. This money can be used to fund regeneration, environmental projects, or anything your community needs.  Hydroelectricity has a valuable role to play in cutting our CO2 emissions. Individual schemes can have positive local impacts if planned and built correctly.

Applying to us		Support for you		Community benefit
If your intended hydro system is partly or fully to be on land managed by us you need to apply for permission.  We have a duty of care to forests & forest users when considering proposals.  Applying to Us>		The Welsh Government’s Ynni'r Fro programme provides support for community renewable energy schemes. Visit the Ynni’r Fro> website.		We are particularly keen to encourage hydro power schemes owned by communities or run for community benefit. Community Benefit>
Environmental & legal issues		Case studies		Useful websites
You will need to carry out wildlife surveys and apply for permissions from several statutory and management organisations. Read more about addressing Environmental and Legal Issues>		See examples of small hydro power schemes and gain inspiration for what you could achieve! These are independent projects but we hope to add schemes on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate over time. Read more on Case Studies>		Ynni’r Fro Environment Agency Hydro Pages Countryside Council for Wales National Grid Energy Saving Trust Ofgem British Hydropower Association Renewable Energy Association Microgeneration Certification Scheme Centre for Ecology and Hydrology