The UK has a long history of using hydropower, with some of the oldest hydroelectric power stations dating back to the early 1900s.
Hydroelectric Power Stations in England
England has a relatively small number of hydroelectric power stations compared to other countries with more mountainous terrain. However, there are several significant facilities, particularly in the Lake District and Wales. Here are some of the most notable:
| Power Station | Capacity (MW) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dinorwig Power Station | 1,500 | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Ffestiniog Power Station | 360 | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Maentwrog Power Station | 300 | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Penrhiwgoch Power Station | 250 | Gwynedd, Wales |
| Cruachan Power Station | 440 | Argyll, Scotland (but often included in English lists due to historical ties) |
| Haweswater Power Station | 120 | Cumbria |
| Thirlmere Power Station | 100 | Cumbria |
Note: These are some of the larger hydroelectric power stations in England. There are many smaller facilities, particularly in the Lake District and other mountainous regions. The actual generation capacity may vary depending on factors such as water flow and operational conditions.
Today, hydropower accounts for a relatively small but important part of the UK's electricity generation mix, particularly in Scotland and Wales where there are many rivers and mountains that lend themselves well to hydropower generation.
Pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations like Dinorwig and Ffestiniog are particularly important in helping to balance the grid and manage fluctuations in electricity demand. They work by pumping water uphill during periods of low demand and then releasing it to generate electricity during periods of high demand, effectively storing energy for when it is needed.
In addition to generating electricity, some hydropower schemes have other benefits. For example, they can provide flood control, irrigation, and water supply, as well as opportunities for recreation and tourism.
The development of new hydropower schemes in the UK has faced some challenges, particularly around environmental concerns and opposition from local communities. However, there is still potential for further development of hydropower in the UK, particularly in small-scale projects that can be integrated into existing infrastructure like water treatment plants or agricultural facilities.
As the UK continues to transition towards a low-carbon energy system, hydropower is likely to play an important role, particularly in supporting the growth of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. While it may not be the biggest contributor to the country's energy mix, it remains a valuable part of the UK's renewable energy portfolio.
Largest hydroelectric power stations in England
Here is list of hydroelectric power stations in England:
Dinorwig Power Station: Located in North Wales, this power station is technically in Wales but is owned and operated by the UK's National Grid. It has a capacity of 1,728 MW and is the largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in Europe.
Ffestiniog Power Station: Also located in North Wales, this power station has a capacity of 360 MW and is the world's first major pumped-storage hydroelectric power station.
Cruachan Power Station: Located in Argyll, Scotland, but owned and operated by the UK's National Grid, this power station has a capacity of 440 MW and is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the UK.
Ben Cruachan Power Station: Located in Argyll, Scotland, this power station has a capacity of 440 MW and is one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the UK.
Tummel Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Perthshire, Scotland, this power station has a capacity of 17 MW and is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station.
Rheidol Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Ceredigion, Wales, this power station has a capacity of 18 MW and is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station.
Kielder Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Northumberland, England, this power station has a capacity of 6 MW and is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station.
Langthwaite Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Cumbria, England, this power station has a capacity of 0.5 MW and is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station.
Cragside Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Northumberland, England, this power station has a capacity of 12 kW and is a small-scale hydroelectric power station.
Cwm Dyli Power Station: Located in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, this power station has a capacity of 7 MW and is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station.
Hafod y Porth Power Station: Also located in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, this power station has a capacity of 360 kW and is a small-scale hydroelectric power station.
Sloy Power Station: Located in Argyll, Scotland, this power station has a capacity of 152 MW and is one of the largest conventional hydroelectric power stations in the UK.
Torrs ydro Power Station: Located in New Mills, Derbyshire, England, this power station has a capacity of 50 kW and is a small-scale hydroelectric power station.
Ladybower Reservoir Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Derbyshire, England, this power station has a capacity of 2 MW and is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station.
Upper Tamar Lake Hydroelectric Power Station: Located in Cornwall, England, this power station has a capacity of 0.8 MW and is a small-scale hydroelectric power station.
Conclusion hydroelectric power stations in England
These additional hydroelectric power stations in England and Wales further demonstrate the country's use of hydroelectricity as a renewable energy source.
While some of these power stations are smaller in scale, they still contribute to the overall renewable energy mix and help to reduce carbon emissions.
These hydroelectric power stations generate electricity by harnessing the power of falling or moving water, and they contribute to the UK's energy mix. While hydroelectric power is a clean and renewable source of energy, its construction can have significant environmental impacts, particularly on aquatic ecosystems and river habitats. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects and take measures to mitigate any negative effects.
The list of hydroelectric power stations in England and Wales highlights the country's use of hydropower as a renewable energy source. From large pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations like Dinorwig and Ffestiniog to small-scale run-of-the-river power stations like Langthwaite and Hafod y Porth, these power stations generate electricity by harnessing the power of falling or moving water. While the construction of these power stations can have environmental impacts, hydroelectric power remains a clean and renewable source of energy and plays a role in reducing carbon emissions.