UKSF is pioneering the use of new pico-hydro technology within the UK to deliver green electricity that is not dependent upon either sun or wind. We are working with a Canadian inventor and manufacturing company to bring several of their brand new turbines over to the UK for use in municipal rivers and conduits.

Pico hydro is a term used for hydroelectric power generation of under 10kW. These generators have proven to be useful in small, remote communities that require only a small amount of electricity – for example, to power one or two fluorescent light bulbs and a TV or radio in 50 or so homes. Pico-hydro setups typically are run-of-stream, meaning that a reservoir of water is not created. Most current products require a small weir, where pipes divert some of the flow, drop this down a gradient, and through the turbine before being exhausted back to the stream.

The Canadian solution does not require any weirs, diversions or gradients. UKSF is contracting to place several of their turbines in river tributaries in major cities so that the base load green power can be utilised in social housing and other council-led projects. UKSF is working with the Environment Agency and SEPA to establish the necessary permitting of the turbines within the local ecosystems.