The hydro will usually generate electricity 24/7. However, generation will stop when the river’s flowing so fast that there’s not enough ‘head’ of water between the inlet and the outlet. We may also be required to stop if the river flow is very low. In our business plan we’ve modelled electricity generation using historic data on head and flow at the site. The hydro scheme should generate about 320MWh of renewable electricity each year: that means that on average it works at 79% of its maximum power output. Generation is likely to be a bit higher in the winter than in the summer, which fits with when the UK most needs electricity. We hope to start generating next winter.
To apply for shares go, to https://hydro.readinguk.org/shares/ or email us at reading.hydro.cbs@gmail.com if you have any questions.