How it works

Hydroelectricity involves the conversion of energy stored in water held at a height as it travels to a lower level. The flow of water drives a mechanical shaft which then drives an electric generator.

The vertical fall of the water, known as the head, is essential for hydropower generation. Fast-flowing water on its own does not contain sufficient energy for useful power production.

Aberdeen Community Energy have purchased a Landustrie Hydropower Screw Turbine for the Donside Hydro. Watch the video below to see how they work:

The Donside Hydro is a run-of-river scheme, which works by borrowing a portion of the water over a short distance to be diverted into a turbine, without obstructing the river like a dam or weir.