Hydropower

At a glance..

Water power was basic to the growth of western society -- but this needn't deter us from using it! If we ensure that the environment is not going to be damaged by a dam or leats and artificial waterways, then this source of power can probably come closest to the ideal of effective and non-polluting power.

The details..

"Hydropower" by Andrew MacKillop is a thought-provoking exploration of how small-scale water power can be harnessed to produce effective, non-polluting energy. The author argues that if we ensure that our natural environment is not damaged by dams or artificial waterways, then this source of power could come closest to being an ideal solution for sustainable energy production.

The book highlights how large hydropower projects have often caused significant damage to migratory fish populations and other living things. However, it suggests that allowing people to develop their own small scale water power using smaller rivers and streams not calculated in official resource estimates could produce at least three times as much hydro-electricity as currently generated in Britain. Furthermore, such schemes would reduce environmental impact while also providing opportunities for food production and play.

MacKillop's work challenges readers' perceptions about what constitutes 'progress'. He points out that many so-called primitive technologies are actually highly effective solutions when properly managed; they were suppressed historically because they did not lend themselves well to centralisation or control. Small-scale hydropower projects offer all sorts of potential benefits beyond just producing electricity - including improving ecological stability through increased diversity.

Overall,"Hydropower" offers a compelling argument for why we should re-examine our approach towards renewable energy sources like water power. It provides practical advice on measuring flow rates and choosing between wheels or turbines before delving into detailed instructions on building your turbine from scratch! This publication may be out-of-print since its original release in 1983 but its message remains relevant today.