Hydroelectric
The World's Most Reliable Renewable Power
Hydroelectric power converts the energy of flowing water into electricity with unmatched efficiency. From run-of-river installations to large dam projects, RENERVISION delivers hydropower solutions that provide dispatchable, baseload renewable electricity.
The Technology
Behind the Power
A step-by-step look at how the technology converts a natural resource into clean electricity.
Water Head & Flow
Hydropower exploits the potential energy of water at elevation. The available power is proportional to both the flow rate (mΒ³/s) and the head β the vertical height difference between the intake and the turbine. Higher head allows smaller turbines for the same output.
Turbine Types
Pelton turbines suit high-head (>200 m) low-flow sites; Francis turbines are versatile across medium head (20β700 m); Kaplan turbines handle low-head, high-flow run-of-river sites. Each converts water kinetic and pressure energy into shaft rotation with 88β93% efficiency.
Generator & Transformer
The turbine drives a synchronous generator producing 3-phase AC power. Large hydro generators achieve efficiencies above 97%. Output is stepped up by a transformer to transmission voltage for grid export.
Dispatch & Storage
Unlike solar or wind, hydropower output can be precisely controlled by adjusting gate openings. Pumped-storage hydro goes further β pumping water uphill during low-demand periods and releasing it during peaks, acting as a giant rechargeable battery.
Why Choose
Hydroelectric
Highest Efficiency
Hydroelectric turbines convert 88β93% of available water energy to electricity β the highest efficiency of any commercial power generation technology, more than double coal or gas plants.
Fully Dispatchable
Unlike wind and solar, hydro output can be ramped up or down in seconds. This makes it invaluable for grid balancing and peak demand management.
Century-long Asset Life
The concrete civil works of a hydro dam routinely last 100+ years. Many European hydro plants built in the 1920s are still generating power today after turbine upgrades.
Minimal Operating Costs
Once built, a run-of-river plant has extremely low marginal costs. No fuel, minimal maintenance. Revenue per MWh is among the most predictable of any technology.
Grid Stability Services
Hydro plants provide inertia, reactive power support and fast frequency response that are essential for stable grid operation β services that command premium payments as grids decarbonise.
Multiple Water Benefits
Hydro reservoirs provide flood control, irrigation supply, drinking water storage and recreational amenity β community benefits that extend well beyond power generation.
Power Conversion Efficiency by Technology
Percentage of primary energy converted to electricity
Sources: IRENA Renewable Power Generation Costs 2024; IEA World Energy Outlook 2024; JRC European Commission data
Ready to invest in
Hydroelectric?
Our team will assess your site, model the financials and guide you through every step β from feasibility to full operation.