Run-of-River Hydro » How it works
Grid Connection
Run-of-river schemes do not include energy storage; hence power is generated according to the natural flow in the river. Connection to the National Grid allows power generation at any time of the day, irrespective of consumer demand.
Connection to the National Grid usually relies upon the presence of a nearby existing transmission network, preferably within a few hundred metres of the powerhouse. The more cabling required to connect to the network, the more expensive the grid connection fee. This is a significant economic consideration when assessing the validity of a potential hydro scheme.
If a number of good potential hydro schemes exist within a small region then it may be possible to consider the grid connection as a partnership between all schemes that would benefit from the presence of a new power-line.
An application for grid connection should be made at an early stage of project development, since without an offer from the local electricity company the scheme cannot progress. That offer must be open for as long as it is likely to take to plan, design and construct the scheme, perhaps three years. The cost of securing the connection will be lost if the scheme fails to be built.