Minihydraulic energy plants work in the same manner as hydraulic energy plants, converting the kinetic and potential energy of a mass of water into electric energy. The water drives a turbine, whose rotary movement is transferred via an axis to an electric generator.

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Energy production via a standard hydraulic system produces a larger amount of kilowatts, although it also produces greater environmental impact. Minihydraulic have an installed capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) or less. Their main advantage is that they harness the water without ruining the river course, causing minimal environmental impact.

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Development in Spain
In our country there are over 1,000 minihydraulic installations with a total capacity of over 1,500 MW. According to the latest studies, the technical minihydraulic possibilities of our rivers would allow a further 1,000 MW to be harnessed. �

Castilla-Leon, Galicia, Catalonia and Aragon are the autonomous communities who produce the most energy using water as fuel, without, of course, using up even a drop of water.

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Relatively small hydroelectric systems can provide electricity to entire populaces. For example, a 500 KW plant can provide electricity for a populace of 800 people. The energy source can be a stream, a canal or any other form of current able to provide the necessary quantity and pressure of water via feeder pipes to establish a hydroelectric system.

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Environmental advantages
- It is renewable.�
- Does not consume water to produce electric energy. Water is taken from one spot and replaced in another further down.
- It is a locally-produced power and does not need to be exported.�
- It is completely safe for people, animals and goods.�
- It does not generate heat or contamination.
- It respects the environment. Its impact is minimal, easily reduced and, in many cases, avoidable.
- It generates jobs in construction, maintenance and promotion of the plant.
- It requires large-scale investment, which is mainly directed at economically-depressed mountain regions.
- It leads to high technical expertise which can be exported to developing countries.

Did you know...?
- Renewable energies create five times more jobs than conventional energy sources.
- Minihydraulic energy replaces the equivalent of 250,000 tons of petrol a year.
- They generate enough electricity for 1,100,000 families.