Mini-hydro: a step-by-step guide
A practical route from first river measurements to a working small turbine.
What mini-hydro means
Mini-hydro uses the natural fall and flow of a river or stream to turn a turbine and generate electricity. Schemes are usually small enough to be sited on private land and to supply a single property, a farm, or a local community.
The energy available depends on two figures: the head, which is the vertical drop, and the flow, which is the volume of water passing each second.
Before you start
Check the water
Record flow across at least one full year if possible. Dry-season readings matter more than wet-season peaks, because they set the reliable output.
Check the rules
Abstraction and discharge consents, fisheries requirements, and landowner agreements all shape what can be built. Raise them early.
The steps
Step 1
Measure the resource
Log flow and head over several seasons before any design work begins.
Step 2
Design the layout
Position the intake, pipeline, and powerhouse to keep losses and civil work low.
Step 3
Select the turbine
Choose a turbine type that suits the measured head and the flow range.
Step 4
Build and commission
Construct the civil works, install equipment, and test the system under load.
Examples from the field
This guide gives general steps only. Each scheme needs site-specific calculations and professional sign-off before construction.
Continue to the resource assessment steps, or send us your site details for a reply.