Technological innovations for low-head hydropower

This paper presents a case study application of Venturi-Enhanced Turbine Technology (VETT). The first VETT installation, located at a Grade II listed former flour mill on the river Great Ouse in Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, UK, is described. The solution is a new low-cost hydropower technology for low-head applications, developed by VerdErg Renewable Energy Ltd. Electricity produced from the hydro scheme is used in the river mill with all excess generation being exported to the grid. Lessons learnt are presented, which have helped further reduce the costs for future projects. The paper also looks at low-head market sectors, including Latin America, and discusses tidal and at non-conventional sites.