Environment Agency: These documents will help you understand what you need to do when developing a hydropower scheme to generate electricity on a river or stream. Hydropower schemes harness the energy from flowing water to generate electricity, using a turbine or other device. Developing a hydropower scheme involves obtaining permissions from several organisations.

Hydropower schemes can have adverse impacts on the local environment, especially fish populations and other aspects of river ecology. Fish can be harmed if they pass through a turbine and some hydropower schemes can reduce flows in rivers, increase flood risk or adversely affect land drainage. The Environment Agency will assess applications before giving permission.

Further information on the different types of hydropower and how to find an installer is provided in the guide ‘Harnessing hydroelectric power’.

Guidance for hydropower development

Hydropower environmental permit application stage 1: pre-application

Hydropower environmental permit application stage 2: formal application

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hydropower-schemes-guidelines-and-applying-for-permission