11.7 Hydro Power
11.7 Hydro Power
Hydroelectricity is electricity derived from the power harnessed from the flow of falling water, typically from fast-flowing streams and rivers, impoundment, or in the form of pumped hydro schemes.
Carlow-Kilkenny Energy Agency published a report on hydro power potential in the county, entitled Reclaiming Lost Power, Kilkenny’s Potential Hydro power sites in 2010[1]. According to that report, there was a total of 185 KW being generated through hydro power in 2010, see Table below.
|
Table 11.5 Hydro power generating sites in Co. Kilkenny |
|||
|
Generating station |
Address |
Operator |
Capacity (kW) |
|
Inch Mills |
Sion Road Kilkenny |
Inch Hydro Ltd |
40 |
|
Greenville Mill |
Kilmacow |
Benedict Behal |
75 |
|
Drying Plant |
Bennettsbridge |
Nicholas Mosse Pottery |
28 |
|
Milling Plant |
Bennettsbridge |
Nicholas Mosse Pottery |
42 |
|
Total |
|
|
185 |
Source: Reclaiming Lost Power, 2010
In 1985, the Department of Energy published a document entitled Small-scale Hydroelectric Potential of Ireland[2]. In this, 32 potential hydro sites were identified in County Kilkenny. Reclaiming Lost Power assessed these 32 sites and identified 20 sites for prioritisation. These sites are shown in Figure 11.5.
[1] Carlow-Kilkenny Energy Agency, Reclaiming Lost Power, Kilkenny’s Potential Hydro power sites, 2010
[2] Department of Energy, Small-scale Hydroelectric Potential of Ireland, 1985