New hydropower projects

Energy recovery hydropower involves capturing potential energy from pressurised water systems already in use for other applications.

Typical applications include

• Energy generation from an existing process
• Water transfer between reservoirs, tanks, or holding sources
• Conveyance for municipal drinking water systems
• Transfer of raw water to treatment facilities
• Wastewater treatment applications

These processes often rely on gravity-fed hydropower systems with large-diameter pipes. As water moves from higher elevations to lower distribution points, pressure must be reduced before entering treatment plants or municipal networks.

Typically, pressure is reduced using pressure reducing valves (PRVs), which dissipate energy as heat and require electrical power to operate.

Advantages of energy recovery using hydropower

• Reduced environmental impact
• Turbine integration as a flow control device
• High efficiency and reliability

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Gilkes energy recovery solutions

We offer energy recovery solutions that transform previously wasted energy into hydropower generation. Our range of hydropower turbines is designed to harness available energy and convert it into electricity using reaction or impulse turbines.

For pressurised hydropower systems that require downstream pressure control, a Francis turbine offers the best fit. Where atmospheric discharge is possible, Gilkes Turgo or Pelton turbines provide an effective alternative. The Turgo turbine is especially well suited to water treatment facilities, where it can deliver both flow control and energy recovery.

Gilkes can assess and compare the suitability of impulse and reaction turbines for each application, taking into account whether the discharge is pressurised or atmospheric.

Power generated can be used for:

• Offsetting energy consumption in water treatment and wastewater facilities
• Exporting electricity to the grid through power purchase agreements
• A combination of behind-the-meter consumption and grid export

In all cases, maintaining water supply is the primary function, with hydropower energy recovery as a secondary benefit. To ensure reliability, hydropower turbines are often installed in parallel with PRVs to maintain continuous water supply if a turbine is offline.

We work with several UK utility companies to offer additional areas of engineering work to support their energy recovery systems.

These services include:

• Assessment of flow data to identify the most suitable turbine type for energy output, taking into account specific site parameters and operating conditions
• Turbine behaviour modelling to support schemes requiring controlled and accurate flow delivery upstream of water treatment facilities
• Bypass system designs including pressure control through pressure reducing valve arrangements
• Hydraulic schematic modelling to map and understand the wider water network
• Simulation of both steady state and transient flow scenarios to predict system behaviour
• Integration of control systems developed to meet utility sector requirements and operating standards
• Specification of coatings and materials proven for use with potable water across the full range of site environments

Mini-grid solutions for rural communities

Mini-grid power systems provide localised electricity generation independent of national grids. They are often developed to deliver off-grid hydropower to rural communities or to stabilise unreliable energy networks.

Mini-grid hydropower systems enable communities to harness their renewable energy resources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

In remote areas, small-scale mini-grid projects can bring off-grid electricity to entire communities. This provides lighting, television, and communication for homes, schools, clinics, and public buildings. The generated power can also support small businesses by running machinery and refrigeration systems.

Advantages of hydropower in mini-grid systems

• A renewable, free energy source
• Low environmental impact
• Proven, mature technology
• Long equipment lifespan
• Reliable, high-quality electricity
• Low maintenance requirements
• Robust control systems with minimal operator input
• Ability to integrate with other power sources

Hydropower as part of a mini-grid

Mini-grid energy systems increasingly integrate multiple renewable energy sources. Small hydropower schemes play a crucial role due to their reliability and consistency.

With decades of experience in rural electrification, Gilkes has developed hydropower solutions for:

• Integration into new or existing mini-grids
• Operation in both islanded and grid-connected modes
• Provision for future connection to national grids
• Black start capability
• Rapid response to load demand changes
• Parallel generation with other renewable energy sources
• Dispatchable power on demand when energy storage is available

Gilkes brings extensive global experience in mini-grid hydropower development, ensuring reliable, sustainable electricity for remote communities.