Frequently Asked Questions

Is my site suitable for an Archimedean Screw turbine?

Naturally we would conduct a detailed feasibility study on your behalf, but there are a few key features whose presence will determine the location’s viability for a screw (or a similar low-head device).

The basic requirements to host a low-head hydro scheme (in most cases of viability) are:

A water source with a drop of at least 1.1 metres (less is also possible; but typically less viable)
Access rights to that water source (or ability to agree access rights in the near future)
A grid supply point less than ~500 metres from the water source, at which connection can be made (unless off-grid is desired)

If your site satisfies these criteria, then there’s a good chance you might be able to harness the power of the waterway to generate hydroelectricity. And we will be delighted to pilot your scheme all the way through to delivery.

If you’re still not sure whether your site is right for an Archimedean Screw turbine, get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the specifications and requirements in greater depth. Thereafter, of course, we can come out and examine your site for ourselves.

How much will an Archimedean Screw turbine cost?

Of course, the answer is: it depends.

Each installation is bespoke, with the size and configuration determined by client requirements and the characteristics of their site. Why not talk with one of our hydropower specialists now to gauge the level of investment necessary for your turbine?

You can also email us your details and we’ll get right back to you.

What makes an Archimedean Screw ||fish-friendly||?

NB: Some people prefer the more neutral phrase “fish-compatible” – we are equally comfortable with this.

Unlike other turbines, the unique design and relatively slow revolution speed of the Archimedean Screw turbine allows fish to travel safely along its length. Conventional turbines operate with a fast blade rotation, causing a high risk of injury to fish – as do the water pressure changes they create.

For more details take a look at our page ‘Fish-friendly hydropower‘ where you’ll also find evidence of our extensive testing and trialling of this technology in partnership with the Environment Agency in England. Many years of evidence now assembled by UK regulators has not significantly changed their guidance on hydro screws, which continues to accept that fish need not be excluded from screws by installing intake screening.

At TLS, we are always keen to review any emerging evidence on this or other aspects of micro-/small hydropower – so please keep us informed of any new developments in this sphere!

Do I have to use TLS for every stage of the project?

Absolutely not. While TLS Renewable Consulting would be delighted to take your hydropower project from conception to commissioning, we’re also happy to work on specific, individual stages of the process. We have experience applying our expertise to each of the five principal stages of the hydropower scheme development lifecycle:

We’ve developed productive working relationships with the contractors for many of our clients, providing technical and hands-on guidance. For instance, we can project-manage for your contractor; or we can act on your behalf as a specialist Owner’s Engineer, keeping under review a turnkey project by others.

If you have think we might be able to help advance your hydro project in any of these ways, please do email us your enquiry and we’ll get right back to you.

What are Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)?

Between 2010 and 2019, UK Government paid a set tariff per kilowatt-hour generated by hydro – known as Feed-in Tariffs (FITs). However, this subsidy is no longer available to new entrants.

The value of output is now principally in its value to displace electricity you would otherwise have to buy in. Some income can also be obtained by selling your surplus generation – but the value to be had from this is now typically less than if you can make use of more power on site. If you need any technical help or analysis to decide how best to exploit your hydro site in present-day conditions, please give us a call.

You can also email us your details and we’ll get right back to you.