Introduction

Hello, and welcome.

On this blog I'll be putting down my thoughts on the different aspects of developing micro-scale hydroelectricity resources in the Republic of Ireland, and over time I hope that it might develop into a useful resource for anyone thinking of generating electricity from this renewable and environmentally benign resource.

But first an introduction.

My name is Cóilín O'Toole, and I  have a background in aquaculture, engineering, construction and project management, and have many years experience of restoring mill wheels, waterwheels and weirs.  I have a deep interest in environmental issues, alternative energy, and rural community development, and having studied engineering I have a good head for numbers.


So what topics might come up for discussion? 

Environmental Issues.

I have a love for the Irish landscape, our rivers and streams, and in particular the wildlife that thrives in this environment.  I've campaigned for many years to have strict environmental legislation applied to protect Salmonid species in our rivers, to ensure that both our drinking water and our fisheries resources are protected.  I've also been involved in Salmon and Trout restocking programmes over the years, and have seen the terrible destruction that inappropriate development can inflict on our rivers.

I would hope that this Blog will discuss all aspects of developing environmentally benign hydropower resources from the safe guarding of the river ecology, appropriate scale of any development, the turbine type, intake and outflow design, appropriate residual flows, protection of landscape amenity, protection of water quality, and any fishery issues.

Hydroelectricity gives the best return of energy on energy invested (EROEI) of all renewable energy sources, but only if the development is sensitive to the ecology of it's environment.


Turbine Types

Poncelot Waterwheel

There are many factors that need to be considered when it comes to selecting the appropriate turbine for a particular site.  While the flow and head are the obvious factors, it is also important to consider how the energy is to be used and whether the efficiency profile would better suit heating, charging, domestic use or commercial export.

It might seem that turbine design has stagnated since the early 20th century innovations, but there are many new and exciting developments.  I hope that we get to examine some of these as the Blog developments, while also looking back at the historical developments.


Hydrometric Observations

Not just floods and droughts!  Also the long term statistical observations, the regional and local variations, rainfall, topography, soil, geology and all the other factors that influence the flow of rivers and streams.  And of course any changes in the climate, cyclical or otherwise. 

Seasonal flow variation on the Avonmore, Co.Wicklow

 The Irish climate is ideally suited for hydropower.   Not only do we get rainfall throughout the year but we're blessed with a rainy season that coincides with our season of highest energy demand.

I've been measuring river flows and studying the data for years, so I look forward to sharing my observations, and to hear those of anyone reading this Blog.

...And lots more.

I hope you find this Blog both informative and interesting as it develops, and I would appreciate any contributions that you might make.  I'll always do my best to respond to any comments or observations as promptly as possible, but apologies in advance if I don't always manage it.

Check out MicroHydro.ie, if you're curious about the potential to generate hydroelectricity at any location in Ireland, and why not complete the Map Survey?  It's a confidential service, and free.